""In writing an article, a professional writer has a plan before he ever sits down in front of the computer to compose those first words. Chances are he has written an outline -- whether it's a traditional one or a cluster one -- that tells him exactly where he's going with the article. His article's doorways won't collapse." "I believe, then, that an outline is necessary to create a well-written article. Whatever type of writer you are -- whether you are a highly-organized one who writes formal, A-B-C-1-2-3 outlines or a let-me-do-my-work-in-my-pajamas writer who utilizes very informal outlines -- an outline will make you better prepared for the task of writing your article." "Should you use an outline, then? Yes, because: (1) they keep you organized, (2) they encourage thematic unity, and (3) they can inspire you.""-- Cheryl Sloan Wray