13. Free writing is a technique for getting your ideas on the page. The technique emphasizes writing without pause for a certain length of time. As the title suggests, and quite possibly proclaims, free writers should avoid revision in the midst of writing—ignoring spelling, punctuation and syntax until after the process is complete. The idea is to get as much on the page as possible. Jack Kerouac and Gertrude Stein are pioneers of this method of writing; however, Peter Elbow, renowned professor of composition and rhetoric, is the most contemporary advocate of free writing techniques for beginning and advanced writers.
14. Idea Map Idea maps are used for brainstorming and planning an essay. If you prefer to organize your ideas before you write, idea maps might be a helpful addition to your writing arsenal. Idea maps work like a sprawling tree on a time-lapse camera: one idea grows swiftly into the next. It is best to start with your central idea and expand in different directions.
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16. Outlines Outlines are the most familiar method for preparing to write an essay. In fact, they are so common that MLA (Modern Language Association) has devised an official format for creating them; however, word processors should be able to mimic the format without much trouble.
17. Outline I. A. 1. a. (1) (a) (b) (2) b. 2. B. II. I. Names and Works of Philosophers A. Plato, The Republic 1. Book I a. What is justice? (1) Characters in the debate (a) Cephalus (b) Polemarchus (c) Socrates 2. Book II b. What is the good? II. Names and Works of Famous Writers B. Richard Adams, Watership Down 2. Part I The Journey
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