1. Jot Them Down: When a new idea strikes, quickly write it down on a separate sheet of paper or an electronic note-taking app. This helps you capture the idea without losing your train of thought in the current writing task.
2. Label and Categorize: Label your notes for easy reference later on. You can create different categories, such as "Additional Points," "Research Needed," or "Potential Side Topics." This categorization will make it easier to review your ideas efficiently.
3. Allocate a Time to Review: Set aside a designated time, perhaps at the end of your writing session or at a specific review point, to go through the ideas you've collected. This ensures that you don't forget them or let them slip away.
4. Assess Relevance and Fit: Review your ideas and evaluate how relevant they are to the current piece you're working on. Consider whether an idea fits well into your outline or requires a separate document for exploration.
5. Develop Later or Save for Future Projects: If an idea doesn't fit well or needs more development, set aside time to explore and refine it later. Similarly, if the idea is a good one but doesn't align with your current writing goals, consider saving it for a future project or a separate brainstorming session.
6. Stay Focused on the Current Task: While capturing new ideas is important, it's essential to stay focused on the writing task at hand during the drafting phase. Continuously switching gears to accommodate every new idea can disrupt your writing flow.
Remember, the drafting phase is about getting the initial thoughts on paper. You can address and incorporate relevant new ideas during subsequent stages of the writing process, such as revising and editing. By managing new ideas effectively, you can maintain focus and coherence while ensuring that you don't lose potentially valuable concepts that might inform your writing in the future.