Concentration. We all need it when we write, but how do you achieve it? Matthew Stibbe has found 22 ways to stay focussed on your writing. It’s a terrific list. I have a schedule, which I post up on google calendar. I also write in the morning when I’m fresh and alert. This works only if you’re a morning person. I set a deadline and expect to finish within 90 minutes. This is the most effective concentrator for me. I find deadlines, even self-imposed ones, really focus your mind. And I get all the inspiration I need from google reader. Explore what works for you.
And now that you’re concentrating on your writing, are you confusing your readers? Michael Fortin (in a rather long article but stick with it as it’s worth reading) asks can readers understand your writing? Are you speaking their lingo with stories, analogies, metaphors and comparisons they can easily relate to? Sometimes you need to put yourself in their shoes. Not easy, but it makes for simple, clear writing. Oh, and I agree with the ‘ketchup principle’. It’s so true.
To provide a little light relief and a great way to show the value of using analogies in your writing, here is a short, but very effective story from Brian Clark on the power of analogy. I didn’t laugh out loud straightaway. I’m a little slow today!
Okay, you’ve locked yourself away, meditated, set yourself a deadline and tried on few different shoes (high heels perhaps if you’re a closet transvestite), and you’ve written a brilliant piece. Well, you think it’s brilliant anyhow. Are you writing with a knife? Michael Russell thinks you should certainly edit with one. In how to write with a knife he has 7 tips to edit your masterpiece skillfully. I use some already but I’m a little lax with the others.
Focus your mind, clear your head and write for your readers.
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