I first try to think of the broad headings. If I can’t do that yet, I write out dot points of my ideas and see if I can group them.

Next, I start expanding the headings out with as many dot points as I need.

When I want to add more detail to a dot point, I indent that further, or write a sentence/sentences under it.

When I’ve got sentences for everything, I start to remove the scaffolding and group into paragraphs.

Example

Say I want to write a how-to guide to change a car tyre. I initially think of two main things:

Tools required

Procedure

Now, let’s add some dot points

Tools required

• Jack
  • What is it?
  • Where to find it?
• Tyre wrench
  • What is it?
• Spare tyre
  • Does your car have one?
  • Differences between spare tyres and normal tyres

Procedure

• Prepare the car
• Prepare the jack
• Jack up the car
• Remove the tyre nuts
• Remove old tyre
• Place new tyre
• Tighten nuts
  • Check tightness
• Lower the car
• Test new tyre

Notes

• Plan to replace spare tyre if used
• What if you have no spare tyre?

Notice how I added a new heading when a thought came to mind?

Now I’ll keep adding detail until I’ve got paragraphs.

Tools required

• Jack
  • What is it? A jack is a device you use to raise the car wheel up above the ground so you can change the tyre.
  • Where to find it? You can usually find the car jack in the boot of your car, but check with your vehicle owners manual for specific locations. Your car might not have a jack, in which case you will need to source one from elsewhere.
  • Safety Jacks carry significant weight, so can be unsafe if damaged or not set up properly. Check that your jack isn’t damaged before using it. Moreover, you will need to ensure your jack isn’t on a slippery surface or a surface that could be damaged by it. In that case, you can place a plank of wood under the jack.
• Tyre wrench
  • What is it?
• Spare tyre
  • Does your car have one?
  • Differences between spare tyres and normal tyres

Procedure

• Prepare the car
• Prepare the jack
• Jack up the car
• Remove the tyre nuts
• Remove old tyre
• Place new tyre
• Tighten nuts
  • Check tightness
• Lower the car
• Test new tyre

Notes

• Plan to replace spare tyre if used
• What if you have no spare tyre?

Then keep doing this until you’ve finished it! Remember it’s normal to rearrange things as you go.