Helpful Tips for Organising Your Thoughts
Writing non-fiction or a memoir is both an exciting and daunting task. You may feel a deep urge to share your knowledge or life experiences, but when it comes time to organise your thoughts, it can feel like trying to untangle a ball of yarn or reveal intimate parts of your life. Where do you start? What do you include? How do you structure your words so it’s compelling and clear?
For many writers, the challenge lies not in having too few ideas but in having too many. This abundance of material can lead to overwhelm, leaving your creative energy scattered. Whether you’re sharing professional expertise, recounting personal triumphs, or shining a light on lessons learned, the process requires structure to transform raw ideas into a cohesive narrative.
As a writer of non-fiction or memoir books, you also have the unique responsibility of presenting your insights in a way that both educates and resonates. The good news? There are strategies and tools that can help you untangle those thoughts, focus your message, and ultimately create a book that your readers won’t want to put down.
Let’s dive into some helpful tips to organise your thoughts while writing and bring your book to life.
1. Start with a Solid Outline
An outline is your roadmap. It doesn’t need to be overly detailed at the start, but it should capture the core structure of your book.
- Identify Your Key Themes: Ask yourself, What are the main ideas or messages I want readers to take away? For example, if your memoir focuses on overcoming adversity, list the key moments that best illustrate your journey.
- Break it Down by Chapters: Think of each chapter as a building block. Each one should address a specific aspect of your theme, creating a logical flow for the reader.
If you’re writing about starting a business, your chapters could move from your early inspirations to the challenges you faced, to your eventual success. Each chapter should feel like a step forward in your journey.
2. Use Visual Aids to Organise Your Ideas
Sometimes, seeing your ideas laid out visually can help you understand how they fit together.
- Mind Maps: Start with your central theme in the middle and branch out to subtopics. This technique allows you to capture connections and see the "big picture" of your book.
- Index Cards or Sticky Notes: Write one idea, event, or key point on each card, then arrange and rearrange them until you find a structure that makes sense.
If you’re a memoirist recounting your travels, you might write each significant location or event on a card. This can help you decide if you want to organise your story chronologically or by themes like adventure, self-discovery, or unexpected lessons.
3. Prioritise Clarity Over Completeness
Not every detail, anecdote, or piece of research belongs in your book. Clarity and impact often come from what we leave out, not what we leave in.
Be Ruthless with Revisions: If a piece of information or story doesn’t support your main message, consider cutting it—even if it’s a personal favourite.
- Ask This Question: Does this serve my narrative? If it distracts or overwhelms, leave it out.
“Perfection is achieved not when there is nothing more to add, but when there is nothing left to take away.”
A beautiful reminder that cutting the fluff sharpens the focus, from Antoine de SAint-Exupéry.
4. Craft a Strong Storytelling Flow
Even non-fiction benefits from storytelling techniques. Readers are more likely to stay engaged when your book has a clear beginning, middle, and end.
- Memoir Tip: Treat your life like a series of episodes. Identify pivotal moments that fit into your narrative arc. For example, a memoir about personal growth might follow a structure of ‘challenge, turning point, resolution.’
- Non-Fiction Tip: Present your ideas in a way that builds logically. For instance, start with foundational concepts, then dive into more complex or advanced ideas.
5. Use Real-Life Examples and Relatable Experiences
Readers connect with stories and examples. Sharing personal anecdotes or real-world illustrations can make abstract ideas more relatable.
- If you’re writing about overcoming obstacles, share a moment when you struggled and how you worked through it.
- If you’re explaining a concept, include a case study or a short story to make it tangible.
Example: In a book about leadership, you might include a story of a difficult decision you made and the lessons it taught you.
6. Give Yourself Permission to Draft Imperfectly
One of the biggest roadblocks in organising thoughts is trying to perfect them on the first try.
- Write First, Edit Later: Let your ideas flow freely in your first draft. Once everything is on paper, you can begin shaping and structuring them.
- Iterate and Refine: Remember that writing is a process. Each draft will bring you closer to clarity.
Bestselling author Anne Lamott advises, “Almost all good writing begins with terrible first efforts. You need to start somewhere.”
While applying the tips mentioned above, here are a few strategies to ensure you stay organised throughout the writing process:
- Set Clear Goals: Know what you want to achieve with your book. Are you teaching a skill? Sharing an experience? Inspiring change?
- Track Your Research: Keep your sources and notes in one place, whether it’s a digital tool like my personal favourite, Goodnotes or a physical notebook.
- Regularly Review Your Outline: As you write, your ideas might evolve. Revisit your outline to ensure you stay aligned with your purpose.
Writing non-fiction or memoirs is a journey of both creativity and discipline. By organising your thoughts with intention and focus, you’ll not only make the process smoother but also create a book that resonates deeply with your readers.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, remember: that every great book began as a collection of scattered ideas. With the right tools and mindset, you can turn those fragments into a masterpiece.
Now it's your turn! Which of these tips will you try first? Come and share it here and see what others find useful.