Category Archives for Articles
Why You Should Create Content in Batches (and How to Do It)
What is your process when you write a blog post or newsletter article?
For many professional writers, the answer goes something like this: They come up with an idea at 9 am, they sit down and write a plan by 9:30 am, they’re done with the draft by lunchtime, at some point in the afternoon they edit it … and they’re finished.
Sounds good, right? That method involves planning (which I’m a big fan of) and serious editing—not publishing a rough draft. What’s to criticize?
It’s an inefficient way to create content.
You’ll Never Be an Editor (And Other Lies I’ve Been Told)
Some people say that you are your worst critic. There’s a lot of truth in that, and at least for me, I hold myself to higher standards than are necessary.
But there are times where others are sort of the worst.
Or, at least, they aren’t helpful in encouraging you to pursue what you’re really interested in. Maybe they didn’t mean to be your worst critic, but offhanded or thoughtless comments can sometimes be as hurtful (or at least as unhelpful) as an intended one.
As writers and entrepreneurs, we put ourselves out there—our words, our voices, our ideas. We’re in a vulnerable spot to be judged. Though honestly, there’s a lot of good, constructive criticism that comes our way, to even out the negativity.
Stop Talking About It and Just Write the Damn Thing Already
So many writers (and would-be writers) keep a “Big Idea” on their mental shelf indefinitely; often something they expect will be a challenge to write.
It could be a memoir, an e-book, an important piece for your niche blog, or maybe some kind of long-form story. You may develop a rough outline, make notes, plink out a few scattered paragraphs, do research, draw concept art, post about it on Facebook, and tell everyone you know—but never actually turn all of that into anything complete.
Here’s a spoiler before we get started: These roadblocks are secretly manifestations of excuses that we’ve told ourselves so many times that they’ve become ingrained as beliefs.
Below are some of the common roadblocks and ways to crush them, so you can finally reach that first great landmark on the way to publication—the first draft.
How to Tell Your Own Story
I’ve been a writer all my life; I’ve been writing professionally for over 20 years.
I’ve written almost every kind of product you can write. Some have been my ideas, some have been written for fun, and some have been written for huge brands or senior organization officials.
There’s only one kind of writing that scares me: anything about myself.
I hate writing my own bios. Personal essays are my kryptonite. Journaling? Too introspective.
When it comes to building a brand, I can help any individual or organization find their way. But when it comes to my own brand? Well, that’s a horse of a different color.
Buckle up, campers. Together we’re going to figure out how to tell our own stories professionally.