TACKLING WRITER'S BLOCK: "Reverse OUTLINE" Method

Tackling Writer's Block Part 6: "Reverse Outline" Method

By: Michelle Himmelsbach

Good morning, Readers!

To close out the topic of Tackling Writer's Block, enjoy two new discussions of techniques to help you, an author, grow! Tackling Writer's Block: Mind-mapping and Tackling Writer's Block: Freewriting. As always, it's encouraged to take a look at the Blog and see what other topics have been discussed.

When thinking of something being reversed, it may seem confusing, or maybe even weird to try and do. It's not something you, or I could be used to and that's okay! Just like writing and reading, new techniques take practice. Today, let's dive headfirst into this new technique, the "Reverse Outline" Method, or the Working Backwards Method!

What is the "Reverse Outline" Method?

You may think this is like reading a book backwards, and you aren't far off. When we read stories backwards, we find out how the ending was developed, what details went into the story, how a character changed, and so on. The same concept applies to a reverse outline. Sometimes the best way to move forward is to move backwards!

Utilizing a reverse outline not only helps you understand what you have already written, but as well as identifying what may be missing. Essentially, a writer is then left with an outline representing main ideas and/or arguments in the margins. Along with helping you understand what has already been written, this technique allows you to see the overall organization of the work. Think of it as a map, where directions are provided! The many roads on the map lead to the destination, in these terms the main ideas lead to your thesis. Along the road, you may need to stop for gas and/or use a restroom. These stops act as the manageable tasks identified through the revision process, which helps to reduce overwhelm, and get you back on track!

Creating a Reverse Outline (Steps)

Step 1: Read the Existing Text!

• This enables you to identify the main points within each paragraph

Step 2: Write Down the Main Ideas of Each Paragraphs!

• Make sure you write these down in order

Step 3: Identify Gaps!

• Including weak arguments, missing information, or unclear connections

Step 4: Make the Decisions!

• As you wrap up identifying gaps, make the choice/choices of what needs to be included, moved, or clarified

With the tools needed to move forward, or rather, backwards...go ahead and give it a whirl! We'd love to hear if it goes well!