Tips for Writing
14 12 2010I work with a large number of bloggers and site owners and in the early days everyone is sure they will get writing. Many start with a blast and then go for a slow fade, unintentional but…
What seems to work better is to have a a bit more of a plan and a timetable that is sustainable so that you can manage expectations. Everyone has a different style but getting started requires discipline and more than a few ideas.
From everything I’ve seen these words of wisdom below are gold. I found this post on Elizabeth Harpers blog called Gifts of the Journey. (Thanks Natalie & Elizabeth)
After deciding how long to write, as in ten minutes or twenty, whatever time you set for yourself, you must keep writing for the whole time without stopping.
The Goldberg Six:
1. Keep your hand moving. (Don’t pause to reread the line you have just written. That’s stalling and trying to get control of what you’re saying. Don’t stop until the time is up.)
2. Don’t cross out. (That is editing as you write. Even if you write something you didn’t mean to write, leave it. Don’t backspace.)
3. Don’t worry about spelling, punctuation, grammar. (Don’t even care about staying within the margins and lines on the page.)
4. Lose control.
5. Don’t think. Don’t get logical.
6. Go for the jugular. (If something comes up in your writing that is scary or naked, dive right into it. It probably has lots of energy.)”
Great! While it’s not blogging per se (as my own neglected site will attest!) I’m a passionate advocate of 750words.com. Based on the suggestion of 19th century book “The Writer’s Way” that people should write 3 longhand pages (i.e. around 750 words) each day as a way to clear one’s mind, it takes this concept and runs with it, gamification-style (email reminders, badges, stats and linguistic analysis of your words, I love it!).
I also found Cory Dotorow’s article “Writing in the Age of Distraction” a great read. (Loved the ‘tk’ tip on facts you need to check later). http://www.locusmag.com/Features/2009/01/cory-doctorow-writing-in-age-of.html
Thanks Vicky,
I like these pieces since writing is not a problem for me but I do tend to over edit myself and sometimes have over long posts sitting around for months.