To outline? Ask questions.

So as I'm writing my article at 2:45 this morning because I procrastinated for a while, I would like to say that to organize my thoughts quickly and efficiently, I put into practice what I've already been taught.

I asked questions.

I'm working on a story for the Northern Pass Project. I still don't understand what hydro power is. I couldn't tell you a lot about the project. But I have to because I'm a reporter. So instead of my usual outline, I decided to listen to my teacher to format the story before I wrote it.

Here is my un-detailed outline, the one I started with:

1. What is it?
2. Why are people against it?
3. Why are people for it?
4. What do we have now? (In terms of power)
5. So do we need it?
6. How much will it cost?
7. The plan is rejected right now -- but only as it's proposed (both opposing sides agree).
8. End with a killer quote.

*This was my backbone outline. After this one, I number another column and put down names or ideas next to the numbers that correlate, just to get a better glue for all the information I've had floating around in my brain for 3 weeks.*

If you couldn't tell, I'm writing an issues story. These are important questions that I wanted to know as a reader. To outline, I became a reader again, not a reporter. And I have to say that even though I'm still awake writing this article, I feel fairly comfortable that the flow and direction of my article is logical and well-done.

Is it perfect? No way, Jose!

But it's a start. I feel more comfortable with that system than with some of my other ways of getting ready to write. And it kinda works out since it's basically a more in-depth look at the WHO WHAT WHEN WHERE WHY HOW questions, so I can't forget it!

Disclaimer: I did not start this article at 2:45 in the morning, don't worry! I started many an hour ago, but as I'm finishing up, I felt that a light-hearted blog post might be a refreshing break.