How Is Your Writing Coming Along?
I realize I haven't blogged here at Wealthy Affiliate nearly enough, despite being present almost every day.
Truth be told, I've been so busy trying to make sure all my writing goes towards my websites and filling them with content.
But then, my favourite community gets left behind in the process! Guess that means it's time for me to spread some love here as well.
Writing, Editing, and Repeating - A Meditative Cycle
For some, writing a blog day in and day out can be a pain. I know many people in my life that won't even pick up a pen and paper to make a simple note for themselves.
Why? Is it because of a language barrier? Arthritis? Phobia of words?
For each of us it's something different and unique that holds us back. On days that I'm struggling, it's most often because I'm stressed about something and it completely hamstrings my focus.
But it doesn't have to end that way, so I take a break and come back in a bit when I've cooled off. Sometimes that means going out for a smoke, or taking 20 minutes to meditate, or just hopping on the bike until something clicks internally.
Then it's back at it with renewed focus and often ideas too.
This is me by the way, and this is only some of my writing, not including what I do through Google Docs, MS Word, etc. And hopefully my advice can help you get your numbers up too!
Write to Relax
You see, writing shouldn't stress you out the way it sometimes does. In fact, it should be an outlet for us to be able to express our thoughts and opinions.
Getting those out in the open can be a very relieving feeling, and ultimately publishing a nice, juicy blog post as a result feels extra good too.
When I write, I try not to focus too much on hitting a certain word count or stuffing keywords everywhere. Putting thoughts to paper (or a computer screen in this case) should have a natural flow to it, and therefore it'll seem more organic to the reader.
How do we accomplish this? I got a few tips that might help:
Preparation is the Best Medicine
Heard that one before have you? Well let's use it in a writing-type setting. Here's a couple pointers that help me out on a daily basis.
1. Get Comfortable, The Right Way
Nothing sucks more than trying to write while you're uncomfortable, like in pain for example. I have suffered from several back injuries in my time so even sitting down can cause irritation.
That being said, always try to make sure you're sitting with good posture. That means your back is up and straight and you're not all hunched over. I know slouching into the couch feels good at first, but wait until it turns into Piriformis Syndrome or some other awful thing.
At least try to sit properly sometimes, if you can't always manage it. A good chair or a standing-style desk can help with this too.
2. Do Your Research Beforehand
I have a habit of trying to supplement my writing by doing research while I'm in the middle of n article. I'll stop mid-sentence and look something up, find something else that's interesting, and end up going down the Google rabbit hole.
Ultimately I get frustrated after it happens a few times and it really slows my progress overall.
Don't be afraid to do that pile of reading before you start writing, as your writing will flow a lot more naturally when the ideas are already in your head.
3. Start by Making Your Headers
Chances are you're using H2 or H3 headers throughout your article to break up the ideas. But have you tried setting them up before you go writing the paragraphs and filling out content?
I find when I do that, my page is already organized into bite-sized sections and I can knock them out one at a time. This is probably my favourite strategy of all, to be honest.
4. Get Yourself Something Nice to Drink
Pick your poison: Water, Coffee, Beer, Hot Chocolate, Tea, whatever! As long as it's something that tastes great and you can sip away.
It was a study strategy that my old Japanese teacher used to use when he was doing endless piles of Flash Cards. Except he didn't use a drink, he used Jelly Beans instead haha.
I honestly don't know exactly why it helps me, but when I'm sipping on Coffee or Cocoa as I write, it helps me relax and offers a sweet reward to break up my efforts.
5. Crank Up The Tunes!
I always, always, always write with my headphones on. It helps get my energy up and my blood pumping, and just puts me in a better mood overall.
I don't know what your taste in music is like, but you'll see no judgment from me. I'm a metalhead so I already know that I'm an outcast in most music circles.
But whatever your taste in music, try rocking out to some tunes while you write. Even light up an incense stick while you're at it and fill the air with a delicious aroma.
Wealthy Affiliate - Where Community Comes First
Lastly, if you're ever truly stuck on what to write, or how, come and spend some time with the community here.
The people here are absolutely awesome and the live chat is cool place to hang out and have your questions answered.
Also don't be afraid to ask questions - we're all here to help!
Putting It All Together
Now I want to hear from you!
Do you have any tips for struggling writers? Any tricks that absolutely change the way you do business?
Leave a comment! You never know who's reading and may benefit from some more free advice.
Take Care and I wish you all the success in the world!
T
Recent Comments
4
I did struggle at first with my writing ,honestly I still do but my main reason was negative self talk. I felt that I was not qualified enough to write.
But I followed the training and something stuck with me.
In one of the lessons that talks about writing out content it mentioned being conversational and that even if your not an expert you are becoming one.
Those words shifted my negative mindset to more of a "fudge it" im just going to write it attitude and within maybe a weeks time I had written over 10,000 words.
I know the word count does not matter in terms of focus, but when it comes to struggling to write 500 to being able to write freely. You are right my friend it is rewarding!!!
My advice would be to relax and break down the blog post. Take breaks. Always talk positive to yourself. Or a reminder of why you are writing close to remind you why you are writing......
Thank you Tyson for the blog post!
Thak you for the kind words Tikisha, I'm glad to see the writing situation is improving for you as well!
I once read a great blog post here, I can't remember who exactly wrote it but it said something to the effect of "you can't use fear as an excuse".
After reading that a few times, and eventually writing it out on paper and taping it to my desk, I feel it has sunk in.
Don't let that doubting feeling hold you back, you got this!
T
See more comments
Great post!
My personal writing setup: instrumental music or none at all because I start singing and get distracted :-)
Coffee or tea (or cookies...) and a cat on the desk.
A general outline, in Word because the spell check works better.
Then I flesh it out and resist posting for a day. I can usually weed out the stuff that doesn't belong after 24 hours.
Much love and success,
Marsha
Great set up, Marsha! I'd definitely say you have a good process figured out for yourself!
T