9 Ways to Become a More Productive Writer

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9 Ways to Become a More Productive Writer

Sometimes all we need are simple reminders on how to be more productive in our field. This is no different for writers, and this list post by guest writer Melisa Marzett will likely act as a "head check" for many writers who know they could be using their time better. Melisa is a writer at an essay writing service, as well as a blogger. You can contact Melisa at Google+.

You can be an experienced writer or a newbie, an author of several books or a columnist. But there’s one big disease that hits almost all writers: procrastination.

Maybe you’re out of ideas or simply need a good rest. Regardless, the fact is you’re far from productive, but you can beat procrastination through various methods used by all productive writers. Check out the following list of nine and pick some that appeal to you.

1. Catch your ideas

The coolest ideas tend to hit us at the most inconvenient places, such as the bathroom, the car, or a meeting and are forgotten minutes later. So always have a notebook with you or install a convenient notetaking app on your mobile device or computer. Then when you get stuck, you’ll always have something to start with.

2. Don’t multitask

Once you get down to the writing don’t get distracted until it’s completed. Close all social media notifications and those endless pop-ups to get as focused as you can.

3. Write what you know

It may be an old saying but it applies in ways you may not think about at first. For example, if you have a lack of time and a lot of work to do then one of the best things you can do instead of doing research is to write about something from your own life experience. One way to do this is to imagine that you’re telling your story to an old friend. This will make your writing vivid and easy to read.

4. Check your working environment

Is your writing environment calm, healthy, and help you to concentrate? If you are constantly distracted by your family or annoying thoughts, it can be enough to change the place where you work in order to get the desired productivity.

5. Create first, criticise later

When you write and are full of fresh ideas, don’t even think about stopping each minute to proofread - it’s going to kill the magic. Write till you feel the passion to do that and check what you’ve written only after you finish it, or even the next day.

6. Read useful productivity books and blogs

All productivity advice is not universal, and sometimes you need to do your own research to find something that will be a great fit. So, check other writers’ advice and productivity apps for more information on what might work for you.

7. Define your main ideas before writing

When your mind isn't organized, you’re likely to compose a long article or chapter that makes little to no sense. So, decide what exactly you want to say and stick to it.

8. Track your writing

If you’ve been procrastinating for a long time, start writing a strict amount of words every day. If there aren't any ideas in your head, it doesn’t matter. Just form the habit to treat your writing like a daily job, not something you do occasionally or when the mood strikes.

9. Learn from other writers

Read your favorite books not as a reader, but as a writer. This will help you learn writing techniques, better language, and more. Do this and you will definitely find something to help you to write better.

Once you’ve tried some of the things listed above, you’ll find it easier to write more and improve the quality of your writing. Plus you'll beat procrastination and become more productive with your writing in the process.

Photo credit: nkzs via SXC.HU