Simple Strategies For Success as a Writer

Top Five Simple Writing Strategies:

1. Set aside time every day to write. I know, you've heard this time and again but it's true and it's important. It keeps you in the habit of writing, makes your copy more interesting, professional, and focused and it ensures that your book doesn't take ten years to finish.

2. Write conversationally. Not only is conversational writing easier to read, it's easier to write. Simply imagine that you're writing to a friend or family member.

3. Write for a specific amount of time, and make it reasonable. Don't promise that you're going to write for four hours a day unless you're already a professional full time writer. It just isn't reasonable. On the other hand, if you can only write for 15 minutes a day then that's a reasonable goal. If you end up writing for more than 15 minutes then great but if not, at least you've met your goal.

4. Outline or plan your book. Many people groan at the thought of outlining their book. You don't have to break it down into a 30 page detailed account of what you're going to write. Simply draft your chapter titles and the points that you want to cover in each chapter. It will make your writing process more efficient, more focused, and more productive.

5. Write when it works best for you. Morning, noon, or night what is the best time for you to focus on your writing? Don't assume that just because you have more time in the night that that is the best time for you to write. You could be exhausted by the time the 6:00 news rolls around and clear thought just doesn't happen. If you're a morning person, write in the morning and vice versa.

By Bob Burnham