5 Steps to Writing Better

Writing is an ongoing task, and it is serious business. If you are a freelance writer it is easy to become lazy, and even easier to find excuses for your lack of pumping out content. It is true that you have the freedom and flexibility to work (write) when, where, and how often you like; but remember this, you are only paid for what you produce. Here are 5 steps to writing better that will help you prepare for and start producing written content on a regular basis.

Mental Preparation - is extremely important if you want to make writing your career. Before you start any writing project you have to clear out the mental clutter. You must be able to work with a free and clear mind. Whether you succeed or fail will be determined by your attitude; what's on your mind determines your attitude.

Failure should not discourage you because it is a part of being a writer. It should motivate you to push harder next time. Self-pity can eat away at your creativity, and it will leave you anxious. Some anxiety is okay because it can force you to work harder; e.g., if you are stressed about money that is a good reason to write.

Excuses are simply mental reasons for not writing, "I'm too tired." "I'm stuck." "I don't feel good." and they need to be put to rest. Procrastination is another trick the mind plays on you because your thoughts may tell you that you have plenty of time to get that article finished, although working under pressure trying to beat the clock may work for some writers, for most it is a sure way to produce poor quality content. It's not your fault because you didn't have enough time, right.

Sitting For Long Periods - if you were paying yourself for writing would you fire yourself for lack of production because you are always away from your desk wandering around due to your inability to sit down, focus, and get the job done. Writers must be disciplined enough to put their rear end on the chair and keep it there long enough to be productive.

You, as a writer, have a lot of competition. The competition may be out there in cyber space, and that means you are competing for work because potential clients are out there too. The determined writer, who knows how to sit still and write for extended periods, has the better chance of succeeding at making money, and getting offers from those clients.

Are you a Hemingway? His working habit was to stand while he was writing, but he took his writing projects seriously. A lot of writers have rituals when it comes to writing. Find yours and stick with it, or sit down and write.

Keeping an Idea List - one thing all writers have in common is the need for ideas. It does not matter what you are writing, a novel, a business plan, or a term paper every type of writing requires ideas.

In order to come up with ideas you need to be observant, watch, read about, and listen to the world around you. Be receptive to the information, and determine what is useful and interesting. Jot down ideas, and keep a file or list. Never toss out ideas! Learn to look at things from a positive and negative perspective. Imagine the potential audience, and let clarity and originality speak to them.

Establishing and idea list is crucial, and research is a requirement in order to provide accurate information.

Get Organized - you may be able to sit for extended periods, and have plenty of ideas on your list, but that is only the beginning. Writing demands concentration and energy. Organization is vital for any writer, and that means things need to be organized and in order before you start to write. This is not about sharpening every pencil but planning and making decisions, as many as you possibly can, before you sit down to write.

What method will you use; outlining, free-will writing, introduction, conclusion, and then the body. And what form or style of writing will you be doing; essay, article, press release, etc. What hours do you plan to write, and what is the minimum amount of words or pages you intend to produce. As a writer you need to visualize and plan ahead because if you begin with nothing you are sure to end up with nothing, but frustration.

Read and Revise - this can be the most painful part of writing because you have to muster up your inner critic. Add, tighten things up, delete repetitions, and flesh it out until your material is as polished as possible. If you don't take the time to read and revise your writing you are doing yourself a big injustice.

These 5 steps to writing better will help you improve your mental preparation, become comfortable with sitting for prolonged periods, encourage you to be more observant and mindful of your idea list, motivate you to get organized before beginning any writing task, and accept the fact that reading and revising is a painful, yet rewarding process that must be done.

Be persistent and patient, and your writing will continuously improve. Keep in mind that the work you just finished might not come close to what you will be capable of producing in the future, however, it is your best for now. So, don't fret over it because you need your energy for the next project which I'm sure you're already planning.