300 WORDS - And That's All She Wrote
So here is the thing, it is day 5 of a new year and already I want a 'do over' day, or a reset day, or whatever you want to call a wasted day, or two or five!
I have written content, but for some reason I hit 300 words and my article is finished. Done, Finished, Finito!
This has been an ongoing issue for the past 5 months, and if I am really honest a lot longer than that. It's like some kind of mental block, or black out, because when I try and push more into the article it just doesn't fit right.
It's not that I don't have lots to say, I know I sure like to talk. So why oh why is 300 words seeming to be my limit.
Writer's Block
I looked up the definition of writer's block and I really don't seem to have that as I can write, but just not beyond 300 words. I may not be creative, or original, or have any great flare for writing, but it is something I love to do.
I write "in my head" constantly, so it is not a lack of ideas. It's just when it's done it's done and I can't seem to push anymore.
WA GO GETTERS (WAGG)
I have been following Bo Tipton and his group WA GoGetters and marvel at how they all are writing about the same thing, but they all are able to write engaging content. So I guess even as I write this I am answering my own query, follow the steps taught here.
- what the problem is your addressing.
- find and offer the solution
- the benefits for them and tell it
- sell the reader on respondinding (call to action) In a sales seminar the call to action was the most important part.
Conclusion
To write more with the Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How in the content, and write with each of the 4 steps listed above front and center in my mind. Just break the glass ceiling of the 300 word limit!
The Joys of Writing 101 from the Island in The Pacific
NCH
Recent Comments
76
Here's a suggestion for you.. you said you have a lot to say but the challenges is the writers block at 300 words.
Here's my suggestion first RECORD your article by speaking into a recorder and then type your article and put some order into the article.
When we speak we can say a lot more and I am sure you will end up with much longer articles..
Hope this helps!
Wish you much success
Moni
Don't knock yourself for this. If you have a message and you can do it in 300 words, why bother people with information they don't need.?
We know google likes longer posts, but do your readers? My niece runs a fantastic and succesful blog and writes probably less than this but does use fabulous pictures. A picture is worth a 1000 words! I have no idea whether google likes her or not but her readers do and more importantly the brands do. She gets all sorts of requests for posts from big brand names and they pay her really well. Oh and she has only had this blog for just over a year.
With Grace and Gratitude
Karen
Oh, Karen, THANK YOU for these uplifting and encouraging words! I sometimes try and read thru my reader's eyes and I sure don't like being bored online! Because when I am I click on thru.
All the best to you, NCH
In some cases shorter blogs can be more effective versusu going on and on and on which may bore or divert your audience. keeping the momentum in your blog is important to capture your audience. Sometimes i use this strategy as a "teaser blog" whereas i make the audience crave for more.
I find puting up headings and subheading helps fiind 5 or ten headings and just fill
I also have a note pad and put down items I think of straight away before the thought goes One in the house for random thoughts
and asking what problem we are solving oftern brings up a new lead
Geoff
Writer's block can show up in many ways. Some get into ruts using the same words and phrases over and over. Sue's suggestion of using an outline is excellent. Outlines help us organize our thinking. It helps ensures our article is logically developed and presented and that nothing important is missed. It's a skeleton on which the words and sentences are hung.
Have you seen this: Helpful Resources ?
Dylan essentially writes 300 word articles about similar products and assembles them into one post.
All the best.
- Joe
Hi Joe,
Thanks for the comment and the encouragement!
I checked out Dylan's post and wow great idea, I could actually do something like that with my niche!
Cheers, Noreen
Hi Noreen. I completely understand the "writer's block" problem because I've lived it. But as others stated in their comments, I've found an outline to be incredibly helpful.
Before I know it, I've exceeded 500 words, 800 words and 1000 words. When I'm writing in SiteContent, where I do all of my blog writing now, I don't even look at the word counter at the bottom of the post. That glass ceiling of yours will be broken in no time at all.
Great post, by the way.
All the best,
Sue
Thank you, I sure hope so as it can lead to a frustrating day! Usually, things like this don't bother me, but today it just seemed to be a huge anchor!
The notebook is being utilized as I type this!
Thanks for the encouragement
Noreen
Hi Noreen,
My first thought, before I read your conclusion, was you're not answering enough questions in detail.You'll probably have trouble staying under 1000 words now!
As far as the reset button, we all should reset daily as life really is a "one day program"... just a thought.
Can't wait for tomorrow!
~Bob
:) thanks
Just by writing this I have helped me!
I know, just one day at a time, but once in awhile, I guess I am just disappointed in me for having a lazy day. But hey, maybe that was the reset I needed.
All the best
Hey NCH.
I have written since I was a kid. I'm now 74, so kid was a long time ago. When I write, I list six or eight topics relating to the chapter I am writing. Then I begin writing about the first topic. I can write 1500 to 2000 words doing this method. Maybe it will work for you. If you want, I'll be glad to help you come up with some broad topics for your next project. I'll share my email if you'd like. No money or nothing expected.
When I'm stuck I go clean something, vacuum, mop, etc. And then go back to the writing later. Trying to force the process makes it worse.
I also read a lot of stuff on writing. I am sharing what I found a couple of days ago. It's wonderful and it might help get you going:
https://www.contentchampion.com/writing-amazon-product-reviews/
It lays out the entire review writing process, it's one of the most complete writing outline for product reviews I've ever seen.
Hope it helps. Hang in there.
Thanks, Wendy, great article. I've downloaded it so I can use it as a reference. Sometimes all we need is just that little boost eh!
I know about forcing the process, lots of time I just walk away and then find myself without a notebook or pen, and the ideas are just there!
Good luck to you with your writing
NCH
Wendy, I love physical labours for the same reason! Hard physical work really helps me to declutter my thoughts and come up with solutions.
I'm always without a notebook. I started getting in the habit of using one of the note apps on my Android. When an idea hits, I just type it into the app and refer back to it later. I keep running lists this way - it's been a big help.
Great article you shared. I just started writing reviews and having this template will add to my consistency. I'll also need to rewrite my first one.
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Ok, so is 300 words enough or do you really need to say (or write) more to get the point across... not really a question, I'm just sayin.
A.L. Williams wrote a great book entitled; "When all You Can Do is all You Can Do, Then all You Can Do is Enough!"
> Keep writing - stop counting, pretty soon you won't be able to stop writing!
I know, I have the same challenge you do - but I just don't care anymore and it seems to work for me.
One of my writing coaches and mentor said this:
Write. Write everyday. Do not worry about what others think, just write and keep writing. Soon you will become a great writer!
- Michael Masterson
Happy New Year!
Dallas
Thanks, for this, as I do truly get caught up with the number instead of the content!
Onwards, and no counting!