Essay Template

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I made this as a template to use Jordan Peterson’s Essay guide in obsidian. Whatever you think about the guy and his ideas, I have found this structure helpful. Let me know what you think or if you have any suggestions to improve it.

  1. Reminders:
    1. One idea per paragraph.
    2. 1 Paragraph; 10 sentences; 100 words
    3. Strive for brevity, melody, and real interest.
    4. Delete items and steps you don’t need from this outline structure.
    5. Minimize what you aren’t using to help navigation.
  2. Topic
    1. Reminders:
      1. Jump to Reading List if needed
    2. List 10 potential topics in question form
      1. Topic 1
    3. Chosen Topic
      1.
  3. Reading List
    1. Reminders:
      1. Read 5-10 books or articles per 1000 words.
      2. Summarize, paragraph by paragraph at first if necessary
      3. Grab Quotations
      4. Go back to Topics if needed
    2. Notes
      1. Source 1
        1. Notes:
        2. Quotes:
  4. Outline
    1. Reminders:
      1. Aim for 25% longer than you need
      2. Outline should have 1 sentence per 100 words of final
      3. If longer than 15 points, use sub points.
        1. Top level outline should be the main points of your argument.
    2. Topic
      1. Copy Here
    3. Length
      1. Final
        1. Words:
        2. Pages:
      2. Draft (+25%)
        1. Words:
        2. Pages:
    4. Outline: Copy Topic Here
      1. Outline Sentence 1
        1. Sub Point 1
  5. Paragraphs
    1. Reminders:
      1. Write 10-15 sentences per outline heading. That is your first draft.
      2. Work back and forth between outline and paragraphs, split, combine, add, or subtract as needed.
      3. Just write, edit later.
    2. Paragraphs
      4. Copy Outline Here
  6. Editing Sentences
    1. Reminders:
      1. Copy a paragraph, separate out into sentences, then rewrite each sentence nested under the original.
      2. See which one is better (shorter, simpler, more impactful).
      3. This is where you can start cutting length.
      4. Ideally, read each sentence out loud.
    2. Rewrite Sentences
      1. Paragraph 1:
        1. Copy, Split, Rewrite here
    3. Reorder Paragraphs
      1. Paragraph 1:
        1. Copy, Split, and Reorder Here
    4. Improved Paragraphs
      2. Copy Here
  7. Re-ordering Paragraphs
    1. Reminders:
      1. Copy your paragraphs here and play with the order to find what makes the most sense.
      2. Your essay may not follow your outline anymore
    2. Reorder Essay
      1. Copy Paragraphs here and play with the order
    3. Edited Essay
      2. Copy the new Essay here
  8. Reconstructing Essay
    1. Reminders:
      1. Read your reworked essay
      2. Write a new outline without looking back.
      3. Copy that outline into a new document
      4. Cut and paste parts from the essay below
      5. Don’t be afraid to cut what is not needed.
    2. Essay Draft:
      1. Copy Here
    3. New Outline:
      4. First sentence
  9. Repeat
    1. Reminders
      1. You can repeat this process again. Wait a day or two then start be rewriting sentences.
      2. You are definitely done when you can no longer improve the essay by editing. Or when the deadline comes. Or when it is good enough for what you need. Or whatever other reason.
      3. Experimental: Use essay paragraphs as outlines for chapters of a larger, more in depth work.
      4. Format the paper as needed at the end.
    2. Link to next draft here.
  10. Final Draft
    1. Copy Here
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