Everybody Writes, 2nd Edition



7Introducing the Writing GPS Framework

Introducing the Writing GPS: a framework for any longer pieces you might write—blog posts, ebooks, white papers, newsletters, site content, and so on.

It's the process I use to write anything that's important: articles or posts that appear on MarketingProfs or my own site at AnnHandley.com, my fortnightly newsletter, and this book you're reading.

I've also used it to write the bones of video scripts and presentations, longer memo-style emails, and texts to my kids. (LOL. Just kidding about that last one.)

The Writing GPS has 17 steps.

Let's pause here for a minute. I feel like I know you well enough by Chapter 7 to know that number just made your stomach drop. Did she say 17 steps? SEVEN. TEEN?!

Seventeen is … a lot.

Seventeen sounds … overwhelming.

Seventeen feels … when's naptime?

I promise you: Following this Writing GPS is not exhausting.

Here's the deal: Most of these steps are fleshed out elsewhere in this book. Like serving the reader and not the writer. Finding credible sources or data to support your point of view. Creating The Ugly First Draft (TUFD).

What's more, some are small things you'll do almost automatically or reflexively—more mindset moments than tasks to check off on some project management software.

For example, is Step 6 of “Walk away” actually a “step”? Not really. It's a brain break.

Is “Recognizing the Joy and Regret” of writing actual “work”? No. It's honoring that ...