Think with the end in mind.
It was December of 2016 and my sister and I had a great idea. Drive up the mountains, to a spot we had claimed as our lookout, light sparklers and take photos.
Upon arrival, we happily got out of the car and grabbed our sparklers. After about twenty minutes of unsuccessful attempts to light the sparklers, we realized we had a problem. The wind was stifling the flames.
We could have benefited from thinking with the end in mind.
The same principle applies to writing.
If you find yourself ready to share an experience or give some advice think with the end in mind.
What is the impact you want to have on your audience? Can I present this idea in an alternative way that would be more effective? What message am I trying to communicate?
It’s easy to get caught up in the story or the innovative idea you have. But the minutes spent in preparation will pay off in the structure and quality of your finished piece.
I am happy that you took your writing coach’s advice. It might even help if you write the final paragraph first to give you a target to “shoot” for.
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Your advice reminds me of a habit that you have tried to develop in times past. Are you applying this perspective of thinking with the end in mind to any other areas besides writing?
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