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Is Writer’s Block Real? In my opinion, no. A lack of preparation is a more likely culprit of what people call writer’s block.
I am a published freelance writer, blogger, editor, and reviewer learning marketing. I have written technical, How To, a fiction short story, nonfiction articles, and SEO Web content. I’ve reviewed in just about every genre there is. As a writer, I believe you also must be an avid reader.
As Mark Twain says, “The time to begin writing an article is when you have finished it to your satisfaction. By that time you begin to clearly and logically perceive what it is that you really want to say.” This quote is for all writing, not just articles.
Preparation for writing is “…. to clearly and logically perceive what it is that you really want to say.” The other part of this to be sure the reader gets your meaning. This is how to avoid writer’s block.
If for some reason you do become blocked, look back at your research, and focus on what you are trying to say. Focus should always be primary when writing a project, albeit article, story, or even a blog post. Writing blog posts is a good way to work on your focus and writing for clear meaning.
I have four blogs, I write Hubs at Hub Pages, contribute on two blogs about writing, and have guest blogged on other subjects.
Writing is what writers do, by writing blogs, contributing to blogs, and practicing your writing on sites like twitter that allows you little space for wordiness, you learn to make yourself clear and write tight.
The next time you are ready to begin a new project, create a checklist to make sure you are prepared to write and banish writer’s block forever.
Related articles
- My Take on Writers Block (atwistedwritersmind.wordpress.com)
- Do you have a Writing Buddy and do you need one? (writersonthemove.com)
Why am I calling this post Writing 101?
I am about to tell you, but first I want to add my favorite quote by Mark Twain, “The time to begin writing an article is when you have finished it to your satisfaction. By that time you begin to clearly and logically perceive what it is that you really want to say.” Working as a freelance writer, Twain’s quote speaks to me as no other quote does.
Think about what the quote says. It tells me that I need to get the words down, then edit later to make the copy (Matter for printing, exclusive of graphics) that I post, ghostwrite, or article I write. I also follow three rules when I edit,
- Is it cohesive
- Is it coherent
- Is it readable
This may sound simplistic, but try writing this way. You will find that it isn’t as easy as it sounds. Readable copy is something written that will engage the reader, not just something to kill time, but truly engage the reader.
How do you engage the reader?
You engage the reader by delivering on the promise of the headline and subtitle. There must be relevant information that engages and informs the read about what the headline says if you are writing and article, and the premise of a book is to deliver according to the title.
If you’re writing an article or blog post, it should be the best work you can do. Any information you offer to your reader is something they have searched for, give it to them from an objective standpoint unless there is a reason to offer an opinion, like a review. When writing a product review, you have to give both the pros and cons. If doing a book review there are other standards, never give the story away, but do give an honest objective review of the style, story, and characters.
I am asked, “How do you prepare for writing?” This has been my answer.
- Be prepared
- Get the words down
- Have someone you trust read it and offer suggestions
- Edit it, or have an editor do it
- Always strive to improve your writing
- Never settle for less than your best
Robert Medak
Freelance Writer/Editor/Reviewer/Marketer
Related articles
- How to create readable content (rjmedak.wordpress.com)
- Do you have a Writing Buddy and do you need one? (writersonthemove.com)
- How to Solve the Five Challenges Freelance Writers Face When They Guest Post (savvywritingcareers.wordpress.com)
