Good writing may be magical, but it’s not magic. It’s a series of actions and decisions that can be observed, learned and repeated. If you find yourself stuck, try these tips.
- Lower your standards (at first). Drafts hold the promise of the final version. Look for the possibilities in raw copy instead of dismissing the effort as a failure. A draft is a necessary step on the way to publication.
- Make a note. Instead of wasting precious minutes crafting the perfect lead, spew out a rough draft of a story, print and mark it up. Note what can be cut, what can be moved, what needs to be answered.
- Write earlier. Let the draft guide your reporting. Find out what you know and what you need to know.
- Keep at it. Writing is hard work, but it’s fun. Strive to improve, but accept what you produce.
Taken from Get Me Rewrite: The Craft of Revision, a self-directed course by Poynter affiliate Chip Scanlan at Poynter NewsU.
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