How to outline or structure your content and embrace constraints

Simple writing structures 1

If I try to answer how to outline or structure a story or to give ideas for constraints on writing as exercises, it opens up so much in my mind. It’s like setting down my work of 20 years.

If writing for content marketing stick to one idea/thought per paragraph and decide which 1-3 points you want your story to say. Number one will be the main focus with sub-themes of 2 and 3.

How long would you like the post to be? Play with 200, 400, 600 or 1200 word. You need to test.

My rule is to write to the length a topic deserves or ideally a little less!

Constraints. Have some fun!!!

1. Write a story that is 10 sentences of 10 words. Write a post that starts with a number on each sentence.
2. Write a post in the style of Dr. Seuss by writing a story using a list of only 50 words. Write a post where a colo(u)r must feature in every sentence.
3. Scribble for 10 solid minutes on a notepad sitting on a step in the sunshine and stop when time’s up.

I love constraints as they always take my ideas and writing where they would not otherwise go.
If you focus on the constraint, other inhibitions about your writing will fall away.

What structures and constraints do you use?