We’ve all been there. We have an idea that is great in
concept, and we want to do it justice when it’s published. The finished product
needs to be every bit as good as the concept seems right now.
That’s a lot of pressure. It’s no wonder that when you sit
down to write you’re staring at a blank page. So what do you do?
Set an Internal
Deadline
Maybe there’s no editor or client staring over your shoulder
asking for the piece. If it’s just for you and the benefit of your marketing
materials, it’s time for a gut check. Ask yourself: when do you want to publish
it? Be honest. Too early may jeopardize quality. Too late may kick your
procrastination into overdrive. Once you set the date stick to it. Keep
writing.
Shut Your Internal
Editor Off
All writers have an internal editor. We’re constantly
motivated by making what we create better. It’s a great thing—at least until it
gets in the way of our immediate goals.
When you stifle your own ideas to the point that they don’t
even reach paper, you’re crippling your own creativity. Go ahead, put it on
paper. If it’s not up to publishable standards, you’ll have a chance to go back
and improve the idea, or delete it altogether, after you are done.
Step Away From The
Computer
Sometimes our greatest ideas come while we’re doing
something else. Sometimes we need to be taking a walk, doing the dishes,
showering, or organizing our Tupperware collections in order to let our
creativity fester. This can help you regain some clarity. Once you’ve regained
your purpose, come back and finish what you’ve started.
Organize Your
Thoughts
What are you really trying to say? Have you wandered a
little too far away from this main point? Maybe it’s time to take a few seconds
and jot down the main points that you’re trying to hit. What’s the best way to
make those points?
Start in the Middle
No matter what you’re writing, the opening needs to be
catchy. It needs to pull people in, and lay out the goals and purpose for what
you’re trying to say. That’s a lot of pressure. Don’t be afraid to start
somewhere in the middle, and get it down. After it starts flowing,
the rest will come.
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