How to write more
As a new year begins, many individuals aim to increase their writing output and create more content. Drawing from a decade of consistent writing, particularly in a professional context, several strategies can prove beneficial for this journey.
Collecting ideas
Collecting ideas is crucial. These ideas can originate from various sources, including opinions, factual statements, interesting tidbits, statistics, or visual content like charts and graphs, gathered from platforms such as social media, books, or online communities.
One method involves using an app like “Email Me” to quickly send ideas to oneself. These can then be compiled into a single note, with each bullet serving as a potential headline for a future post, allowing for easy selection of topics.
Let yourself write small
It is beneficial to allow for both extensive and concise writing. Specifically, permission to create shorter pieces, such as tweets or LinkedIn posts, even just a few lines long, can be highly effective. Frequent creation helps develop the writing habit, and shorter formats can alleviate perfectionism or imposter syndrome.
Utilizing “templates” can also be valuable. These are recurring post structures that consistently generate engaging content. Here are some examples:
- reviews of books
- quotes from podcasts/articles
- lessons learned from past projects
- Q&A with a colleague/friend
- top links about a particular topic
- your answer about a particular topic
- reflections on the past year/quarter
- a factoid/statistic you found surprising
Having a collection of such templates can help overcome writer’s block.
Setting aside time to brainstorm, and to write
Regular brainstorming sessions with a writing partner can be an effective strategy. This approach fosters accountability and aids in generating novel ideas. For instance, some organizations hold weekly content meetings where participants discuss ongoing projects and explore various concepts.
Allocating dedicated time for writing is equally important. Scheduling 60 to 90 minutes, ideally in the morning, can enhance focus and minimize distractions. Establishing a consistent routine, such as writing on Sunday afternoons to prepare for the week, can be beneficial.
Distraction-free devices
Utilizing distraction-free devices can significantly aid productivity. This might involve a dedicated writing laptop with minimal software, e-ink tablets like BOOX or Remarkable paired with keyboards, or even using a timed plexiglass container to keep phones inaccessible.
Beyond these methods, technology can also enhance the writing process, particularly AI for brainstorming and voice-to-text applications. AI tools like ChatGPT can serve as powerful brainstorming aids. Users can prompt them with an opinion and request a list of aligned ideas, then refine the suggestions into topic sentences. Voice-to-text technology is also valuable, as speaking can often be more fluid than typing. Tools like Oasis AI can convert spoken ramblings into structured prose for later editing.
Why “quality” is the enemy to writing
A significant barrier to increased writing and content creation is an excessive focus on “quality,” which can serve as an excuse for procrastination and other counterproductive habits. Several points highlight this issue:
- quality focus hinders more writing and content creation
- leads to procrastination and restricts experimenting with styles
- taste develops faster than skills, causing disappointment
- it’s important to accept failure as part of learning
- start small, expand based on audience feedback
- regular writing, experimenting with styles keeps process enjoyable
Individuals often cite quality as a reason, believing they must produce a masterpiece to gain recognition online. The goal becomes to release only their absolute best work, anticipating widespread acclaim.
The argument often made is that with the vast amount of content available, one must create a groundbreaking masterpiece with the most innovative ideas to stand out. This approach involves extensive polishing and releasing only perfected work, with the expectation of recognition. However, this strategy is often ineffective due to several practical considerations.
Here’s why this approach is flawed
Firstly, an intense focus on quality can lead to procrastination, resulting in endless editing that transforms a brief piece into a lengthy project.
Secondly, it restricts experimentation. Discovering one’s writing voice is a process of trial and error that requires time. High-quality standards can suppress creativity and output. Initially, a writer’s taste may outpace their skills, leading to dissatisfaction with their own work.
Embracing failure and continuous learning is vital. An excessive emphasis on quality can deter individuals from trying new approaches and accepting that some attempts may not succeed, thereby setting unrealistic expectations.
Increase the writing feedback loop
Instead, writers should aim to shorten their feedback loop. This involves experimenting, observing audience reactions, and adapting content based on responses. For instance, a concept can begin as a tweet, expand into a thread if popular, and then evolve into a full essay. This method helps align content with audience preferences.
Effective writing habits involve consistent practice and the freedom to explore various topics and styles. Identifying what resonates with both the writer and the audience is key. This approach allows for building a diverse portfolio and discovering a unique voice or niche. For example, some writers find that content featuring charts and graphs garners significant interest.
Writing should ideally be enjoyable and conversational, akin to speaking with friends. There is no need to worry if a piece does not perform as expected, as there is always an opportunity to try again. This philosophy promotes frequent, engaging content creation.
It is always possible to remove content that does not meet expectations.
