Use outline mode of your word processor. Write all the headings, then jump around filling it out.
Ask HN: How do you approach writing documents?
11–15 of 15 posts
Re: Ask HN: How do you approach writing documents?
#12I approach writing documents by being clear about the goal and message for my audience. My first step is to research the subject I'm writing about, so that I can be sure I'm prepared to convey the information clearly and concisely. Then I brainstorm different ways I can accomplish that goal based on my knowledge of my audience's expectations. Once I've settled on a way forward, I outline my thoughts and write a draft. As I work on the draft, I stay aware of the audience's needs and how best to meet them. Finally, after reviewing the document several times and getting feedback from others, if possible, I polish it up!
Re: Ask HN: How do you approach writing documents?
#13You need a plan!
I always start with a nested list of what I want to communicate. I refine the order and completeness of this list for a bit, usually over breakfast.
Once you have that, you just flesh out each point one by one.
Re: Ask HN: How do you approach writing documents?
#14As others have mentioned, be sure to write bunch of headers of what you're actually going to write, then work from there. Start by giving each section a title, then each sub section, then each paragraph. Below each title, give a one line summary of what you're going to write about in each part. From there, you're simply filling in the gaps. This method improved my productivity with writing 10-fold.
Re: Ask HN: How do you approach writing documents?
#15[dead]