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Writers – Four More Tactics to Support Your Writing Productivity

30th October, 2009 - Posted by Meggin - No Comments

Is being a writer easy?  Even those who make a full time living as writers wouldn’t say, “Yes,” to that question.  If you could use some new tactics (or reminders of old ones) that will increase your writing productivity, take a look at these four.

1. Go to your ‘third place’ where there is energy. I’ve heard it said that Starbucks wants to be your third place, i.e., you have your home, your office, and somewhere else (Starbucks) where you can do work and meet with people. Since writing involves various types of psychic energy expenditure, being in a place where there is energy helps you to write. For you, a third place might be a coffee shop, a hotel lobby, a church pew, an airplane, a restaurant, or a park. Go there and write. It’s best to go somewhere that you don’t know anyone and don’t feel the need to engage in conversation or even eye contact. Just immerse yourself in the energy and feel powered up for writing.

2. View writing as a flow of energy, i.e., an energy exchange.  Get that image in your mind.  When you write, you are expending energy.  And…here’s the cool part…when you write, it provides you (and others) with energy.  See the flow and visualize how you are a part of that flow.  Writing requires energy and inspires energy.

3. View writing as creating.  It is. When you are generating ideas, you are creating.  When you are editing, you are creating a better experience for your reader.  When you are musing about what you are going to write about in preparation for your writing, that’s also creating. 

4. Have quotes around that inspire you. Gina Hiatt has an amazing collection of quotes about writing at her site (www.AcademicLadder.com).  You can display them around your desk, on a bulletin board you look at frequently, or just keep a list of inspiring quotes in your planner, your iPhone, or on post-it® notes near those places that you write.

These tactics may not have been what you expected.  Maybe you thought I’d provide some little ‘trick,’ that would instantaneously increase your writing productivity.  Well…all of these can do that but only when you try them and let them work for you.  Get on over to your ‘third place,’ find a wonderful quote, see yourself as part of the creative energy flow…and see if you don’t get more writing done – and get it done more easily. 

Hey, we’re all in this together, right? And if you would like to get inspiration, direction, and structure for your writing, join us for the upcoming tele-workshop & coaching event, “30 Articles in Just 30 Days.” Here’s where you can learn all the scoop:

** http://30articlesinjust30days.com/

You will see what others who have participated in previous events have to say. Check it out!

(c) 2009 by Meggin McIntosh, Ph.D., “The Ph.D. of Productivity”(tm).