End-in-Mind Writing Framework

A framework for effective writing that focuses on planning the end result before starting. The key is determining your goals and desired outcomes before writing a single word.

Pre-Writing Planning

• Begin with the end in mind - determine 3 key elements before writing:

  • What reaction do you want (emotional response)
  • What action do you want them to take
  • What one line/takeaway should they remember

• Emotional targeting is critical

  • People only share/act if they feel something
  • Limited set of core emotions to target (LOL, WTF, OMG, etc.)
  • Engineer content to trigger specific emotional responses

Writing Process Steps

1. Copy Work (Warm Up)

   • Hand write content you admire for 10-15 minutes
   • Helps get into flow and absorb writing style
   • Similar to musicians practicing covers

2. Quick Draft

   • Write fast without overthinking
   • Accept that first draft will be rough
   • Focus on getting ideas down quickly

3. Incubation Period

   • Step away from the writing
   • Let ideas process passively
   • Can be 10 minutes to 48 hours

4. Heavy Editing

   • "Great writing is great editing"
   • Most important phase for quality
   • Cut unnecessary content
   • Refine and polish remaining text

Key Writing Principles

• Write at 5th-8th grade reading level
• Use short sentences by default
• Vary sentence length for rhythm
• Start with most important point
• Write like you talk
• Remove unnecessary context/background
• Create curiosity gaps to pull readers through

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Starting with too much background/context
• Overthinking the first draft
• Editing immediately after writing
• Using complicated vocabulary
• Making sentences too long
• Burying the lead/main point