One Writing Strategy That May Serve You and Me Well
What works for me may work for you too, but not always.
What works for me may work for you too, but not always.
Why Do You Write
I’ve asked myself this question while I’m soul searching. I constantly read articles about writing styles, writing topics, Q & A’s, and choosing the right image for the article. I write because I enjoy it.
I don’t write to make money, even though I would like to get paid my worth. I write out of passion to fuel my enthusiasm. However, if I solely wrote for money, I’d never succeed at writing. A person needs to have some motivating drive (other than money) to make them keep pushing forward with their writing craft.
Stephen King wrote once that you never perfect your writing. It’s a continuous learning curve that takes practice, trying new things, pushing forward, self-discipline and creative passion. I agree.
So, we have to wonder if it takes so much struggle to write, then why do you want to write? You must answer this question and be honest with yourself — that is if you want to keep writing without giving up.
I write to understand myself and work out my problems. I learned a long time ago to use the Ben Franklin approach to solve almost any problem put down on paper. It works — for me anyway. I’m able to get a mental picture and put things in perspective, if I’m trying to find a resolve.
Pick a Time and Place to Write
We all have different times that our moods and energy levels work best for writing. I write best early in the morning — if I’ve gotten a good night’s rest, my eyes aren’t tired and my mind is clear. And sometimes, I dream about a topic I want to write about. If that happens, I immediately write my thoughts down on a little notepad, which I keep next to my bed. I use the ideas to create writing topics.
You may be the type writer who wants to write in a busy place, like a coffee shop. I may jot down some ideas, but I’m unable to focus in a busy environment like that. But not everyone is like me. Where do you like to write?
I like to write in various places around my home, depending on my mood and my body temperature. We all can write easier if we’re comfortable. That’s why sometimes I may want to write in bed while drinking coffee, or I may want to write sitting at the kitchen table while cooking, or I may want to write outdoors while enjoying the sunshine. It all depends. But either way, it is important to find your comfy spot.
Tools to Write With
I usually write an outline on paper and sketch out a few of my thoughts. Then I sit down at the computer(desktop) and start typing. I don’t write from a cell phone, because I’m just not comfortable. Discomfort interferes with my writing focus. I do use a headline analyzer and several images sites to find my best image.
I’ve learned that the headline and image are the kicker that draws in your reader. It’s important to spend extra time finding the right image and creating a good headline.
Take Away
I hope you will self-analyze why you want to write in the first place, then make a plan to write consistently. Life is so busy for everyone, things pop up unexpectedly and we need to be ready to overcome obstacles to keep pushing on and learn how to master the craft of writing.