Gene Fowler
said, "Writing is easy; all you do is sit staring at a blank sheet
of paper until drops of blood form on your forehead." Know the
feeling?
Those
of us who do it, love it, but writing is not without pain. Especially
when the deadline is only hours away and the article you need to write
is one of several items on your day's plate.
It's one
thing to be a writer, it's another doing it. For many, writing well
in a compressed period of time seems impossible. But you can write quickly
and write well. Here are ten "its" that can help.
- Know
it. Good writing derives from clarity. Clarity comes from knowing
what you're writing about. What's your purpose? What's the point?
What are you trying to prove? What's the central idea?
- Research
it.
Collect your facts and examples. Do your polls and interviews. Research
thoroughly before you begin writing. Get what you need to address
who, what, when, where, why, and how. Be sure to verify names, titles,
and anything else you'll need to include. Writer's block is almost
always due to inadequate research!
- Organize
it. Make a map connecting each piece of information. It might
be a simple or elaborate outline -- whatever works for you. Write
the headings on 3 x 5 cards and organize your research (clippings,
notes, etc.) beside each card. Try using the AIDA structure: create
Attention that engenders Interest that stirs Desire to take Action.
- Write
it. Quickly. Stack your research and start writing through the
pile as fast as you can. Don't worry about transitions or try to write
perfectly the first time. Relax, have fun, and get something on paper.
Just keep writing all the thoughts that occur as you work through
your research, even if they are incomplete. If you're blocked, do
more research!
- Leave
it.
Walk away. When you've exhausted your research and feel you've written
yourself out, stop. Take a break. Let it cool off.
- Clean
it. Good writing is concise. Use no more and no fewer words than
necessary. Cut the fluff. No matter how magical a phrase seems, cut
it if it doesn't fit the flow or the core point. Rewrite and rearrange
your paragraphs. Often a buried paragraph makes the best lead. Double
check your facts and attribute all your quotes.
- End
it. Say what you need to say and then stop! Stick to the point
and don't write past it.
- Speak
it. Read what you've written out loud and fix what doesn't sound
right. The ear hears what the eye misses. You will be amazed at how
this dramatically improves the quality of your writing.
- Release
it. Know when to let it go. Stop tweaking it to death. You're
good at what you do so have confidence in what you've written. It's
good. You've done your best and it's time to move on and do it all
over again! Deadlines are forever.
- Print
it.
And be proud! After all, you are a writer.
Stephen R. Clark is a writer and communications professional with more than
20 years experience. He provides a variety of services including writing,
editing, ghostwriting, web site development, and more through his business,
"Stephen R. Clark, Epiphany Lane Productions." His clients
and his experience cover a diverse array of markets and industries,
from aerospace to religion and education to publishing, and more. He
is a member of the International Association of Business Communicators
and the Evangelical Press Association. You can learn more about his
services and see several work examples at his web site www.EpiphanyLane.com.
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