Many writers including me love to put off their writing assignments. We have, I suspect, a deep-seated need to live on the edge of being exposed as complete, unproductive frauds. In fact, even as I write this piece I should have started days ago I am reminded of the maxim: All writing is deadline writing, So, at some point we writers need to turn off Friends or the Bears/Packers game and embrace the horror. That’s why I came up with a method to quickly put together that lurking memo or essay. It works better for shorter pieces, but it can be used for any writing. It’s perfect for writer’s block, anxiety and panic. The 3x5 method, like me, is simple: Develop three major points in five paragraphs.



Before you crown me champion of the obvious, let’s see how this can work with your first paragraph, your introduction. Some writers dread this part of an essay, memo or article. Many wait until the very end to write it or fine-tune it. Yet it’s important because it’s the first thing your reader gets. Even if you write it later you’ll need to get your reader’s attention, provide relevant background info, and lay out a plan of what you’re going to talk about. For example, if you say early in the first paragraph: “The company can save over $100, 000 in lost productivity each year with the addition of a day care center,” you’ll get your reader’s attention. Add pertinent background facts as needed: previous history, anecdotal info, the company employee survey. Your intro should also contain a sentence (or two) that lays out your three major discussion points: “Enhanced productivity, available facilities, and minimal cost make a company day care center highly attractive.” Your points are clear: develop them in that order in the next three paragraphs, you’re on your way.



Your middle or central paragraphs need to be chock full of details and examples. But begin each paragraph with a general statement to tell your reader its contents: “A day care center will increase productivity by reducing lost hours.” Now support that with examples. All good writing is specific, so don’t be shy: “Last year HR reported we lost nearly 2500 work hours because of employees picking up and dropping off children at day care.” For your second major point you might say: “We have the physical resources.” And you might support that with: “Smith in facilities has indicated we can convert the old storage area on the second floor into two rooms of 1500 square feet each. He estimates a two-person crew could finish it in less than a week” And save the best for your third major point, fourth paragraph. “The monetary benefits to the company would be dramatic. A one-time investment of $6,790 for a self-sufficient an employee managed day care center that will save the business more than $100, 000 a year.” Such supporting detail shows you’ve done your homework If you have trouble with generating detail make a list that includes: Who? What? Why? Where? When? and How? Answers to these “journalist’s questions” will provide you with plenty of specifics.



Like the intro, the conclusion is extremely important; it’s the last thing your reader gets to see. Consider how you want your reader to act as a result of reading your memo, essay or article. Restate or sum up your points here: “A day care center will increase productivity, morale and profits.” You might also call for action: “An executive directive to HR will get the ball rolling on this project.”



That wasn’t so painful was it? Notice I have five paragraphs and three major points. If you have trouble organizing your pieces, think about using — what else? — 3x5 index cards, one for each paragraph. They’re compact and you can carry them around and add or subtract notes. As for PapersEditing, they have another article due tomorrow.