The punch list is typically used as a construction term that highlights remaining work or issues on a project that have to be corrected before the job can be signed off. Similarly taking a step back to notice what is missing or what needs to be fixed on a project, especially during revisions can be a simple and effective tool. The punch list involves the general organization and exploration of content of the chapter, essay or poem.
Start with a completed draft. There is something about this draft that you don’t like, or that feels off somehow. This motivates you to want to revise it. Starting with a punch list is a great way to begin a revision. To begin, make a numbered list. Write a very short statement to answer the following What questions. The Why questions will help you with deciding how to adjust if necessary and are for reflection and are not typically part of the punch list. This can help you to consider both what comes next and why you have chosen to include it in that order.
What comes first? And why?
What comes next? And why?
What comes after that? And why?
And so on until you reach the conclusion.
What ends this piece? And why?
Different types of organization include:
- Following a chronology
This is a straightforward method of making sure that everything happens in chronological order. The issue here could be clarifying flashbacks or adding specific markers, such as ages, dates, times etc. to make it clear for the reader to follow.
- Building tension
Organizing your punch list by creating tension allows you to see where your story lags or if you have given too much information before creating the right amount of intrigue for the reader. This provides at at-a-glance view of the effectiveness of the tension building process.
- Exploring a theme
Thematic organization is probably the most challenging. You can see the themes more easily in a line-by-line punch list of the chapter or piece you are working on. You can easily see where the theme needs to deepen or expand. Consider too, that the ending must clarify the theme and satisfy the reader.
- Controlling the flow of information
What do you want the reader to know and in what order should they come to know it? That is the main question for this organizational type. Looking at the highlights of the information and how it flows allows you to see exactly what is missing or whether or not change what goes where.
You will be able to see right away what is missing, or if the overall organization of the content is weak. Remake the punch list with any new content, arrangement or other changes, highlighting what needs to be done and what is already effective.
I personally use this method with every chapter of my books, every essay I write that and even with poems. It has never failed to produce new insight and offer clarity about otherwise hidden problems in my writing. I hope you will give it a try and see if it is a tool that could work for you too.
