Writing articles is a great way to establish yourself as an expert in your field and gain credibility as you promote your business.
Consistently coming up with new ideas to write about, however, can be a challenge.
Not only that, often when inspiration blooms, its petals can be wilted by that nemesis of anyone who writes...
Writer's Block.
That's why it's important to have some tools and techniques on hand to help take you away from staring at a blank screen to turning your valuable knowledge and insights into information-rich content.
Here are six to get you started: 1.
Keep a journal handy and jot down article ideas.
These may be stories you've heard, news items relating to your niche, anything that grabs your attention.
Don't concern yourself with making these notes neat and tidy.
Abstract thoughts and notions in the right moment can become the foundation of a brilliant article.
2.
Clear your mind of distracting thoughts.
If you're worried or stressed, you won't be able to focus effectively.
Take a few deep breaths, relax for a moment then concentrate on the job at hand.
(If you must, tell yourself you can go back to being stressed out later.
) 3.
Create the right workspace.
Whether you work from a business office, a home office or kitchen table, your working environment plays a vital part in how freely those creative juices flow.
Try these techniques to make your workspace more inspiring: - Clear the clutter.
A jumbled workspace reflects a jumbled mindset.
When you de-clutter, you'll feel more positive and relaxed.
- Place things around you that uplift your spirit.
Perhaps a vase of flowers, pictures of favourite places or photos of loved ones.
- If your workspace can't be 'somewhere inspiring', bring 'somewhere inspiring' to your workspace: a pine cone, that big shell you found on the beach, an old leather-bound book from another time in history.
4.
Get to know what makes you tick.
Spend some time analysing when you work best at creative tasks (like writing) and when you don't.
That way, you can create a schedule that will help you to be more productive by allowing you to work the way you're meant to.
For example, if you find creative tasks easier to do in the morning, write your articles then and schedule more process-driven tasks for other times.
5.
Write on paper.
Sounds simple, doesn't it? Sometimes just the act of writing with a favourite instrument; be it a just-sharpened pencil or beautifully balanced pen, helps to release your creativity and expression.
6.
Get away for a bit.
If it really feels like your brain's going round and round in circles, you need a break.
Take a drive, go for a walk or even just wander into another room for a while and soak up the different scenery.
Anything that separates you from the task at hand and is pleasant will refresh your mind.
And who knows, you may even find something new to write about! These are just a few tips to help you tackle writer's block.
The more you write, the more in tune you will become with your own working rhythms and develop even more techniques to enhance the whole writing experience.
Happy writing! (c) Carol Dorman 2009