Something I've really discovered while I've been doing this Masters is the importance of planning. Not that I've never known it was important before, when writing stories or essays or whatever, but I never really used to do it at all. I never knew how. I would just get a general idea in my head, write everything down all over the place in a big Word document, and then reorganise it later (which consequently took probably longer than actually writing the thing in the first place). Then recently I bought some index cards. I think I'm developing an unhealthy obsession (that's a bit of a strong word) with them. They're just so bloody useful. For jotting down ideas and phone numbers. To hand out to people with numbers, website addresses etc. And for planning.
So for the last few essays that I've written, this is what I've done. Spread out 9 index cards like so. 9 seems to be a good number for a decent length essay. But you can easily add more, or not use some. Then write down some points for your essay. And then rearrange them, or not, as you see fit. Or tear one up if it turns out it doesn't work, and replace it.
What's so great about this is that you can see your whole essay arc in front of you, instantly, and you can change it easily. Then clip 'em all together with a foldback clip, and you're done.
Go on, why don't you give it a go? I hope you all find this useful. Or at least interesting. One of the two will do. Perhaps I just wanted to share my new index card obsession.
