Words in a sandwich

The writing process is a bit like making a sandwich. First come the decisions:

1. Decide the main filling for the sandwich - choose your subject.
2. Decide the other elements of the sandwich - choose additional sub-headings for the main subject.
3. Decide the bread spread - choose the tone of the piece.
4. Decide the type of bread - choose the beginning and ending of your piece.

Next comes making the sandwich:

1. Lay out the bottom bread slice - begin composing the opening of the piece by introducing the main subject.
2. Put spread on the bottom bread slice - Set the tone and any thematic elements within the introduction.
3. Stack the first complimentary element(s) on the bread - introduce one of the sub-headings to the composition, making sure it ties into the theme.
4. Add the main filling as the next layer of the sandwich - lay out the main subject of the piece.
5. Stack the remaining complimentary element(s) on the main filling - introduce the rest of the sub-headings to the piece, keeping within the theme.
6. Add spread to the top bread slice - thread tonal elements within the piece for cohesion.
7. Stack the top bread slice on the sandwich - conclude the piece with an ending that links to the point and themes of the beginning.

Last is serving the sandwich:

1. Choose the correct size of plate - edit the piece to suitable length.
2. Choose the sandwich garnish for the plate - title the composition.
3. Place the sandwich and garnishing elements artistically on the plate - edit the piece for errors, repetitiveness, thematic coherence and a strong beginning and ending.
4. Let your readers . . . Enjoy!

Cross-posted at Southwest Blogger.
My topical post today at South by Southwest and The Reaction is about how the news can numb us out to the reality of violence.

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