sequences. Summarise each proposition in a word or phrase and use the word
or phrase as the main headings.
Having worked out the main divisions of the text, go to each division and
divide it into its components. Typically the main divisions can usually be
represented by a proposition. Therefore, you divide this proposition into its
sub propositions, which then structure your text within the main division.
Repeat this process for each level of your proposed text. So, having worked
out the organisation of your thoughts within each main division, that is the
subdivisions, work out the structure within each subdivision. Eventually you
work your way down to paragraphs, and at this point you actually have to start
writing the text.
Information
A text should do three things with information for the reader, which were
explained earlier –
store it, help to find it, and help to interpret it. Thus when
you write a text it is necessary to ensure that it fulfils all of these functions, or
all of them that you think are necessary or appropriate.
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Letting it Flow
As you first write a text let it flow. It is generally counter-productive to stop to
correct minor errors of spelling and formatting. Doing this interferes with the
creative flow, which is a rush or even torrent of energy. This flow is the
mainstream of your creativity. It cannot always be summoned on command.
So ride it rather than stop it. There is plenty of time later to come back to
minor errors of spelling and formatting. These will wait because you can
almost invariably check these whenever you choose to devote time to the
tasks. By contrast, while the creative process will knock on your door, it will
not hang about waiting to be asked in.
Polishing It Up: Editing
The relationship to [Eleanor Gould Packard, proofreader for The New
Yorker] is as intimate as it gets; she has been inside my sentences.
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Introduction
You can substantially improve the quality of writing by making one or more
drafts before producing the final version. As Brandeis J said, there is no such
thing as good writing, only good rewriting.
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Sir Frank Kitto is quite
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Chapter 2 Function of a Text
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David Remnick, quoted in Eleanor Gould Packard’s obituary, “New York’s
famous stickler for style”, The Sydney Morning Herald 8 March 2005
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Sheller (1996) p 4
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