Sometimes writing is hard. There’s just no way around it. Here are 10 of some of the ways that have helped me either start writing in the first place, or to add more flourish to my pieces that are coming up short.
- Use the free Hemingway app. You paste in your content and it tells you how to improve your sentences, through an easy-to-understand color coded system. I’m amazed at how better it makes my writing.
- If I’ve been working at something for a really long time, sometimes I will read it out loud or read it backward. You notice a lot more mistakes.
- I’ll occasionally come up with funny story ideas or blog posts, so I have an Evernote file that I have random tidbits in, with just enough notes to remind me of what I was talking about. 🙂
- Sometimes distraction is the key. I‘ll go run an errand, check my post office box, or go grab a snack. That break helps rest my mind and come back refreshed.
- I got a Veridesk for my birthday last year, and I’ve found that standing up instead of sitting is just the right amount of being uncomfortable that helps me work faster.
- I have a writing Pinterest board that I use to pin quotes and tips on writing. Or, if I don’t think I can look at another piece of writing material, I just browse Pinterest in general to get inspiration.
- I occasionally use blog topic idea generators. My favorites are HubSpot, Portent, and RYP Marketing.
- If I’m having writer’s block for a creative story or project, going for a run really helps me think it through. Running leaves me to my thoughts, which is another great way to add a little distraction.
- If I’m in the middle of writing a blog post, but I’m stuck, I’ll go grab a photo for it. Sometimes that mini-break helps me refocus and finish the article.
- Blog posts move so much faster if you outline it first. Unless it’s a list (like this one), I write all the headers first, and take it one section at a time.
So there it is! My top ten tips for writing.
Do you have any additional ones to add?
photo credit: Lost in Thought via photopin (license)