Writing methods, rules, and tips vary depending on what you want to write about. Writing an online article is different from writing a magazine article, no matter how similar they are. However, there are some universal writing tips that all pieces follow. I'm not only talking about spelling and grammar, but also how to utilize your creativity and editing skills separately to obtain the best results. Follow my tips and you may discover your own writing style and voice if you haven't already.

 

Having time to write without any distractions affect your writing more than you may think. Your creativity can flow more fluidly and your editing can be more focused and accurate depending on this. Make time for yourself by turning off the TV, games, and letting others know you're busy. If you have kids, let them know you'll self-combust if they disturb you and have treats ready to distract your hyperactive pets (or partner)...

 

Not really, but you know what I mean. ;)

 

Are your notes and research at your fingertips? Need a thesaurus or good old Google? Make sure everything you need is at hand so you will be able to write more prolifically. The frustration of going through too many files can easily disrupt your creative energy.

 

You don't want that if you want to find your writing voice.

 

As humans, we naturally try to change and improve ourselves in everything we do. Whether it's the way we talk or the way we think, we're always changing. Stopping what we're doing and looking back at it is an instinctive habit caused by the left hemisphere of the brain. The left brain functions in an analytical way while the right brain is more creative. How does this affect writing?

 

Your inner editor disrupts your inner artist.

 

When you try writing, do you tend to:

• Reread what you write many times to see if it sounds right?

• Look for any possible errors before you continue writing?

Doing this not only affects how long it takes to finish your work, but also the quality of the content. Editing and writing are two separate actions! DO NOT try both at the same time. You want to write, right? Then write, not edit! Focus on opening your mind and heart and release your message. Do not be afraid to make mistakes. It's OK to make typos and errors. You'll be able to fix them later. So separate your mind. Tie your self-editor up and stuff them in a closet if you have to. All you need to do is focus on creating.

 

Which finally brings us to...

 

Now that you have time to yourself with your notes and research by your side, you're ready to write! Let your hand(s) go wild as your artistic energy takes control. Don't be afraid of the grammar mistakes or if the sentence makes sense. Right now, what matters is that you're creating until you've shaped the message you want to convey. It takes practice to write without editing till you can spew out your brains and heart freely.

 

Ok, that's a bit disgusting but you get my point.

 

If your editor tries to disrupt you, threaten that you'll scrap your writing if they don't behave. You can also cover the monitor with a blanket or use a piece of paper to hide your words. You can't edit what you can't see. ;)

 

No matter how technical a piece might be, it's important to give readers a visual to what you're trying to say. Whether it's by using examples or analogies, the reader will both enjoy and understand your words a lot better when they can imagine something too. Notice how I mentioned self-combustion earlier? Numbers and quotes work too.

 

Eventually, you'll most likely feel tired from letting your words go untamed as you kept your editor away. Especially if you're not used to writing like this. Feel free to take breaks and relax your mind a little before going back. Don't wait too long or else your creative flow will fade out. I normally take ten to fifteen-minute breaks.

 

When you're done, congratulate yourself! You just finished your first draft without editing. It's ok if you have occasionally glanced back at your words. As long as you didn't focus on fixing any problems, you did perfect! I normally take a break afterwards to let my creative flow relax, so I can see my writing more objectively later.

 

• Read your work out loud to see if it's too wordy or where to fix grammar mistakes.
• Choose how many details you want per section/paragraph.
• Make sure there's a balancing amount of statements and descriptions.
• Simplify sentences as much as possible to make it easier for the reader to read and understand.
• See how I use individual titles and bullet lists? It's a good way to separate details, especially when you have a lot to cover.
• Don't forget the 'Who, Why, Where, When and How' rule when it comes to expository writing.
• Check if the tenses are correct.
• Don't overuse clauses, adverbs, negatives, or meaningless phrases.
• Rewrite if you have to, but use your original draft as the base. It's ok to edit now.

These are some of the most common grammatical errors found in almost all writing. You don't want your reader to be frustrated from figuring out what you're trying to say.

• Its is the possessive form of "It" (Its tail; its chord)
  It's is the contraction of "It is" or "It has" (It's ready; it's late)

• Their is used to describe something as to belong to them (Their food; their time)
  
  There can mean the opposite of "here" (over there); a pronoun that introduces a noun or clause (There is a cat); adjective that emphasizes which thing (The chair there is nicer); and noun that means "that place" (Let's not go there)
  
  They're is the contraction of "They are" (They're slow; they're young)

If the expanded form of the contraction doesn't sound right in a sentence, then it's usually the other word(s). "You are cookie" or "they are is a cat" really doesn't make sense. Visit this link for a comprehensive list of English Difficulties. Master these sneaky words to create a masterpiece.

Your opening paragraph should give your reader the first impression you want them to have of your piece. The introduction reveals the tone of your writing and should also evoke their natural curiosity. Writing without editing can make it easy to miss these distinguishing points in your opening. It's good to check back and change the beginning, or write one if you simply went straight to the details when you started. Be sure it contains:

In addition, your ending should express your message in the strongest and most acute way possible. Your reader's most memorable impression will be from your conclusion. Is your ending:

Master Your Mind

Finding your writing style and voice will give your content a genuine spark, enticing your readers. The art of writing provides many pathways to forging something extraordinary. It may seem difficult to achieve at first but with more practice, your skills will evolve into that of an expert. We learn best when we make mistakes so don't hold back. If you have habits of procrastination, use a timer or Temptation Blocker. Also, you can use the Write or Die web application to get yourself writing without editing.

These are the general tips that my mind and heart has delivered, filled with love and encouragement to make a writer out of you. Remember, it's ok to make mistakes, it's ok to put your editor in the closet without food, and it's ok to set your mind free. How extreme you should go about it is up to you and the kind of writing you're doing. Know your limits, organize your time, relax, and have fun!