The Word Cloud

Hi all,

Today's question is... have you created any non-standard punctuation that you use to help the writing process?  If you do, what are they and what do they mean/how do you use them?

For example, when I am writing, I will often use [--].   This is a multi-purpose symbol for me.    It can signify that I've skipped over a particular scene or bit of scene which I will need to address  later (for example, if I'm not sure how to finish a scene or, alternatively, if I've had an idea mid-scene for another scene and wanted to work on that while it was fresh in my mind.) or it can mean that there's a detail that I will need to check later, for example [-confirm Chadwick was there -]  

I find this handy, as I can use search functions for "[-" to jump between each of these items.    I was wondering if anyone else uses similar strategies?   The reason the question occurred to me is that I wanted to ask and see how others combine their research and writing tasks/time.    Do you generally write what you mean to say first, and then go research the supporting details?  Do you research as you write (I did try that, it's what I now call procrastination!).   Finally, do you research a topic completely, gathering all of the information you need before you even start writing?

Just curious ;)