10 Steps to Successful Writing on Every Writing Project

A good outline of the main guidelines in the Writing Process saves lots of time. Become a great writer. This reference has ten effective steps to revert back to and follow with each writing project. Let the daily exercise begin:

Step One: Read, Read, Read!

Immerse yourself in reading every type of good writing that you would like to be able to write yourself.

Step Two: Study, Study, Study!

Learn all types of writing genre's, forms, and subjects. Study how to write the kinds of things you want to write.

Step Three: Live, Live, Live!

The most important step to great writing is fully living. Take in all the emotions, the senses, the settings, the people, and all of the nuances around you. You will write what you know. Enjoy life. Do worthwhile things. Experience makes relatable writing.

Step Four: Research, Research, Research!

Prepare factually: be true to reality that is outside of your experience. It will liven up your writing and make it shine.

Step Five: Outline, Outline, Outline!

Save time and get your thoughts in order. Freewriting only goes so far before it needs form. You need to diagram enough of your work to know the purpose for what you're writing and when you're writing it. This helps with pacing and cohesiveness. But don't outline everything to where you box your own creativity in.

Step Six: Write, Write, Write!

Write about anything and everything: a little each day. Writing is an exercise. The more you practice the better you will be. It doesn't have to be perfect.

Step Seven: Reread, Reread, Reread!

Now is the time to read your own work. You may even have others read it and give you feedback. A good tip is to read things out loud so you can hear how it sounds to others among other things, like pacing. Bring out your critical ears and eyes.

Step Eight: Rewrite, Rewrite, Rewrite!

Has an author ever not written multiple drafts of their best work? The refining process brings out quality beyond what even you first expected your work would be.

Step Nine: Edit, Edit, Edit!

Make sure there are no distractions from the intended reading of your writing. When and only when your writing is where you want it, turn all your attention to editing.

Step Ten: Publish, Publish, Publish!

Publishing is its own process altogether. For the sake of this reference guide, sending query letters, submitting you work, meeting the publication requirements are being put together. Each publication has its own guidelines and the best thing to do is reference whatever publication best matches the work you've done and publish through them, which is certainly easier said than done. Only write things on assignment that you like, and where possible write what you like and then find an outlet to publish it through. The more you publish the easier publishing will be.