Don't Lose the Plot

Every piece of writing has a destination. Whether you are writing a novel, a business letter, a report or a set of instructions, your reader expects you to guide them from beginning to end without losing sight of your purpose.

When Good Ideas Become Distractions

Very few writers wander away from the subject deliberately. A new thought occurs. It reminds them of something else, which leads to another idea, then another. Before long, they are telling a story within a story or explaining details that seemed interesting at the time.

The trouble is that the reader is still waiting for the original point. Writers know where they are going. Readers only know the path they are shown.

Different Writing, Different Freedom

Not every type of writing allows the same freedom. A novel can occasionally wander away from the main story to develop a character, create atmosphere or reveal something important later. Readers generally accept this because they expect fiction to breathe a little.

Business letters, reports, dissertations, manuals, CVs and instructions are different. They exist to communicate information clearly and efficiently. Readers are looking for answers, not diversions. The more formal the document, the more important it is to stay focused.

It Doesn't Take Much

A tangent does not have to last a page before it becomes a problem. Sometimes a single sentence is enough to interrupt the reader's train of thought. Instead of concentrating on your message, they begin wondering why that piece of information is there.

Every interruption makes the reader work a little harder. Enough interruptions, and many readers will simply stop reading.

Staying on Course

One of the easiest ways to avoid losing the plot is to read back a little before you begin writing again. It reminds you where your reader is and helps you continue the natural progression of the subject.

Think of yourself as wearing blinkers. Interesting ideas will appear on either side, but not every one belongs in the piece you are writing.

If a new thought occurs, make a note of it and carry on. When you have finished the section, decide whether the idea strengthens what you have already written, replaces something you already have, fits naturally into the discussion or deserves an article of its own.

Final Thoughts

Every sentence should move the reader a little closer to the destination.

If an interesting fact, story or explanation interrupts that journey, ask yourself whether it really belongs there. If it does, keep it. If it does not, save it for another day.

A good idea is never wasted. It just needs the proper home.