Your Way

Murray talks about how some writers say they do not outline, in the chapter “Outline Now or Later” in his book “Learn to Write”. He soon points out that, although these writers claim to not outline, they always outline, in their heads. He then explains that when he feels this way he will simply start to write. However, I find that when I try to just write I often forget my original intentions half way through; my mind gets so caught up in the trail I am on, I can often end up with a piece of writing I never intended to have. Although this can turn out fine when doing creative writing, it is not ideal in most situations. I find that I always need to write an outline, although it varies in the amount of description or development involved.

In this chapter, Murray also talks about eleven different ways to make an outline. Unlike most “how to” books, Murray ensures his readers that these are not the only ways to create an outline but rather to consider them and then find a way that best works for you. Personally, Outline 3 is the closest example to what consistently works best for me. This outline is shown by creating a section title (subject) and then going through each point of that section, developing the ideas which will be present there. I find that this outline helps my mind to both focus and organize all my ideas. It also allows for rearrangement where and when needed.

I have been outlining my work since elementary school and therefore did not find this chapter of “Write to Learn” extremely useful. However, it was interesting to be exposed to new ideas and outlining styles I never would have considered myself.