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The canvas is not something you leave open all the time.
It’s most powerful at specific stages.
The canvas works best
before writing and when you’re checking.
It’s not for adding more sentences;
it’s for seeing structure.

When to use it

Before you start writing

  • When you’re not sure where to begin
  • When structure only exists in your head
  • When the main relationships aren’t clear yet
At that point the canvas
shows structure before text.

After a first draft

  • When you want to check if the direction is right
  • When the story feels unstable
  • When you need to decide what to revise
When you’re in review mode,
the canvas quickly reveals structural issues.

How to use it

1) Design structure before writing

Place main characters, events, and themes
and use connections to build a skeleton.
At this stage
relationship matters more than detail.

2) Mid-point check

Link the document you’re writing
and see where it sits in the structure.
  • Is the center still clear?
  • Are there branches that don’t belong?
Sometimes just rearranging
makes the weak spot obvious.

3) Adjust plot or document direction

Rearrange relationships
to decide how to revise.
What to shorten,
what to strengthen
— you can judge visually.

Basic checking flow

  1. Link the document you’re working on to the canvas.
  2. Rearrange and check what’s central.
  3. Decide how to revise, then go back to the document.
The canvas is
not where you stay;
it’s where you decide direction and then return.

Principle

  • The canvas doesn’t force a conclusion.
  • If the relationship is clear, write;
    if not, place again.
Don’t push the document when nothing is visible yet.
When structure is visible,
sentences follow more naturally.