Remember these?

Far removed from the days of typewriters, writers are faced with distractions right in front of their face as they write. The Internet.

As you are reading this right now, I bet many of you have multiple tabs or windows open in your browser.

Besides this one, I have eight other tabs open. Eight. Why?  I don’t know. I don’t want to miss out. I want to jump back and forth when there is an uncomfortable pause. Maybe an excuse to procrastinate. Let me check Facebook one more time.

Hold on…

Okay. Now, I only have this one open. Time to focus. I am quite sure I am not the only one that works this way. Many of us have SOS (Shiny Object Syndrome) in this digital age. We have to check our phones, our social media sites, the news, our tablets, and our email. Many, many times throughout the day. It is like our mind is not allowed to focus on one thing for more than five minutes.

Try it. For five minutes, stop multi-tasking.

Hard, isn’t it?

As a writer, this makes it difficult to get any writing done. It seems I can never get past the “research stage.” Well, when I am productive, I have learned some things that have helped.  Although I don’t stick to these things as I should, I am aware that they work.

1. Write when you first wake up.  

This is one of the most challenging. Because after eight hours in a restful sleep, the whole world went on without us. We HAVE to check our email and Facebook in case we missed something. I mean 8 hours is a LONG time to be away from electronic media. What if Kim Kardashian got married again or your ex-boyfriend emailed you wanting you back? Skip it – get to writing.

2. Disconnect.

This is another challenge. What do you mean, “disconnect?” Like the Internet, my smart phone? Yes. Use a blank screen. Remember Microsoft Word? Yep, you can still use it to type your ideas. For those who have wireless, this may be more difficult, but you actually can turn off the Internet. I know, shocking.

3. Only write when you are in the mood.

I don’t mean that you have to feel overwhelmed with creativity. We all know that inspiration comes when it is well and ready. However, you should be in the mood to sit down and put down your thoughts. All it takes is an idea. Your fingers will take it from there. Accomplishing things works so much better when you are in the mood for it.

4. Don’t neglect the rest of life.

When you stare at a computer screen all day, writing does not become easier. Sometimes, it can be counterproductive. Go for a walk, or a run, call a friend, read a book, watch the news. Go be social. Don’t get lazy and become a recluse. You still have to leave your house, pay your bills, and buy groceries.

5. Don’t stress about it.

I know many successful writers will tell you that you should write everyday. And maybe you should.  But there will be days you just don’t feel like it. Or you are busy with other things. For those who own a blog, this adds to the stress. You may think, Google will punish me if I don’t write in my blog everyday. Probably not. Don’t neglect it for weeks, but if you miss a couple days of writing, don’t stress. And remember, it doesn’t always have to be a masterpiece! Hakuna Matada.  Um, that dates me.

 It really is amazing at the results you will get when you try some (or all) of these tricks. All writers have their secrets of success. These are just mine. Find ones that work for you and follow them. As often as you can.

Related articles

• The productive writer… (andimarquette.com) Oh, yes!  Another productive tip – set goals.
• Not writer’s block, it’s an abduction! (lindacassidylewis.com) Yes, we all have days we rather being doing something else.
• Four Smart Writers to Learn from Today! (writeandgetpaid.wordpress.com). Listen to what successful writers and bloggers have to say about being a professional writer.
• How to Squeeze Writing Inspiration from a Stone (inspiredtowrite.com) Yes, more ways to get inspired when you want more than just a “writing session.”

When writing motivation is not there, writing articles can sometimes be a laborious task you avoid. If inspiration has not pulled up next to you as you sit down and write, facing a blank screen seems like a chore.

When you are a web owner or a freelance writer, creating web content is going to be a part of your life. You may write articles for your blog, guest posts, content sites, or magazines, or clients. You may also write using other various article marketing tactics.

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Today’s writing tips are a collection of quotes from some of the world’s most successful writers. Get inspired!

I read a very personal blog post today from Yaro Starak about his challenges in 2011. What struck me about this post was how much he decided to let us in. Us being his readers. Yaro is the author of Entrepreneurs Journey and has great success with his blogging career. He has created courses and ebooks giving others advice on how to build their own entrepreneurial path of success.

In 2011, things changed for him. Behind the scenes, he was faced with personal tragedies.

Being a successful blogger and entrepreneur, as he is, means people are constantly looking up to you for advice. When they get stuck on what to do next, they will go to him, or others who show the same level of success, for answers.

This is true for anyone who has achieved success in their life. And it seems the more successful you are, the more people expect from you. When you make mistakes, they are amplified. When you do something amazing, you are put on a pedestal.

Often times, what is going on behind the scenes is never seen. The hard work, the failures, the personal tragedies. If you are successful in whatever you do, your personal struggles become irrelevant as long as you produce what people need. Talk about pressure.

Many successful people don’t share that personal side. They portray themselves as you want to see them. They strive to maintain that image. They continue to work hard and be the professional they are meant to be.  Any sign of personal struggle becomes a sign of weakness. Or a sign of giving up, going down the path of failure.

Or so some people think. I see it differently.

Instead, what I see happening is when a person who has achieved professional success shows a sign of personal struggle, it makes them human. It knocks them off that unreachable pedestal down to a level we can all relate to. It induces respect, admiration, and even a little bit of guilt for expecting so much from someone who has been struggling or putting in the hard work.

I am not condoning complaining or being a “victim” here. Because I don’t. I am merely stating that sometimes, even the best of the best will fail. Think Michael Jordan and Thomas Edison. And often, this only makes them stronger and better.

Signs of Humanness Makes it Real

When Steve Jobs died last year, it was truly amazing how many people came out and expressed their sympathy. The man behind the Apple became human. He was battling cancer. As he developed the number one selling tablet, cancer cells were battling inside his body.

But he kept on pursuing his goals. He didn’t show us his struggles. Until he had to step down. And show us he is a human being, not just someone who provides us the tools to listen to music, type on our computers, and the mobile convenience of iPhones and iPads.

While we can admire his stoical behavior, it is important to understand that everyone has limits as a human being. This is a dose of reality.

Why am I bringing this up?

I guess for one, I wanted to remind people that everyone is fighting a battle. Some battles may be small, others much larger. We may not always see it, but it exists in all of us. We all have bad days. Days we can’t perform or hit the target. Days we can’t come up with a creative thought to save our lives.

Does this mean we lie down and give up? No. But we may need to take a break, gather our thoughts, and move on.  Get back on the proverbial horse. Practice more. Experiment more. Train more. Allow others to inspire us. Some people do this quietly behind the scenes. These people are humble and do not want their problems to be the problems of the world. I respect that.

Some people may never even admit to the pressure. They push forward and understand that they have to perform or impress or be on their best behavior. They remain humble and focus on what they need to do. For the greater good. They understand there is a bigger picture and others may be looking up to them, leaning on them for inspiration, advice, or hope.

One person that encompasses this fully is Tim Tebow. I am not going to give my long-winded speech on how Tim Tebow inspires, because I have already addressed this and so have many others.

But I will say that I have no doubt that he fits the bill of someone who keeps on pushing even through the doubters to be the best version of himself he can be. Does he have flaws? Of course. Is he perfect? Close, but no. Yet people expect the world of him.

After he faltered during the Kansas City game, people doubted him. Did he give up? NO! He only worked harder. And came back six days later for an unbelievable win against Pittsburgh. Now, he has proven himself once again. And now the pressure is on.

But he is much, much more than a NFL quarterback. He is a leader and a mentor who inspires hope, compassion, and love. Don’t hate him for it. Admire him. But please don’t put him on a pedestal. The only spot to go from up there is down.

When someone you look up to let’s you down, forgive him or her. We all stumble. We all make mistakes. At some point in time, we will let you down.

Look at the everyday heroes in your own life – your kids, your parents, your spouse, your siblings, your friends. The local doctors, policemen, teachers, nurses, and military members. Look at the person as a whole, his or her character. A human being. Stand by them when they need that support. Bring them up and encourage them. Let them show their weakness and then motivate them to get back on their path. Whatever path that may be. Let them be human.

The other reason I bring this up and more importantly, is a reminder that the only person that is deserving of that seat way up on that pedestal above all of us is God. Let’s not forget that.

Related articles

• Tebow Time for Entrepreneurs: 4 Ways to Peak Performance When It Counts (smallbizbee.com)
• Tim Tebow Is Raising the Bar for the Superstar Role Model (bleacherreport.com)
• Do Tebow and Bieber Make It Cool to Be Christian? (patheos.com)
• The Surprising Secret of Success is Failure (danerwin.typepad.com)

If you don’t have any resolutions yet this year… here are a few to consider.

I know I am a little late to the party.  Don’t worry, I put my party noise makers and champagne away. I am not responding this late because I have been hungover or taking down Christmas lights. Nope. I guess I have just been trying to catch up with the week. Anyhow, enough about me – how was your New Year’s celebrations or lack of?

One of the things I am seeing in the Blogosphere these last few days is all of these resolutions and new goals bloggers are professing. It is the time of year we all sit down and reassess our life. We look at the good, the bad, and the ugly.

One of the things I encourage you to do this year is to take the time to really think about what you want this upcoming year to look like.  Where do you want to be in December of 2012? I hope it is somewhere different from where you were in December of 2011.

People like to call them resolutions. I guess I have never been a big fan of that word. But it is an accurate way to rethink your goals. To resolve your problems or issues.

Many will come up with the cliché goals like lose weight, be a better parent/spouse/friend/sibling/employee.  I am not knocking those resolutions. I think these are goals we should have every day. I understand how easy it is to lose sight of that throughout the year, but don’t. Try not to.

This year, why not come up with some real concrete goals that you can stick with and attain? These are called SMART goals in some self-improvement circles. The post I just linked to on SMART goals is old, so essentially if you don’t want to click on the link, SMART stands for:

• Specific
• Measurable
• Attainable
• Relevant
• Timebound

When you are creating your goals, think big but start small. Think about what you really want to change besides losing a few pounds or smiling more at strangers. Think big picture and then chisel away at those big plans with small specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and timebound goals.

Of course you don’t have to participate in any of this resolution/goals madness. Maybe you don’t have any goals or maybe you don’t feel the need to change anything in your life. That is okay. This is a suggestion and not an order.

But as you sit back and decide to take the sidelines on this process, I just want you to ponder these quotes,

Without continual growth and progress, such words as improvement, achievement, and success have no meaning.
~Benjamin Franklin

Change before you have to. 
~Jack Welch 

Life belongs to the living, and he who lives must be prepared for changes.
~ Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Change is inevitable – except from a vending machine.
~Robert C. Gallagher

And last… They must often change, who would be constant in happiness or wisdom.
~Confucius

HAPPY NEW YEAR and HAPPY 2012!

Inspire! (Image by Leonard John Matthews)

When writer’s block strikes, there are plenty of practical techniques to tap into when you are looking for blog content. I am sure you have seen dozens of blog posts on writer’s block, including a few on Inspired to Write.

Some of these methods include: using writing prompts, providing a top ten list, writing “a best of” piece, publishing guest posts,  writing exercises, content curation, and even looking at Google Trends.

Yes, these are good ways to come up with ideas for material. But what if you want more than just content filler?

What if you are looking for something that inspires you and your readers?

It happens to most of us at some point. Lack of inspiration. You crave for a time when flooded thoughts forced you to sit and type or write in a journal before the ideas escaped you. When something in your world grabs you by the heart and compels you to transform the inspiration into words. Those are the days writers long for.

Today, there are plenty of blogs that are filled with content that is solely derived from article spinners and syndication submissions. The owner of the blog never even writes his or her own original content. I guess the point is to get more backlinks and improve SEO. I am not sure if this is really effective. I have used these syndication networks, and I am surprised at how many of these blogs are in existence.

We are no longer writing for people, but for search engines.

Writing a blog is not just about putting up content to fill the gap. Sure, there will be days you have to turn to these gap fillers. But as a blogger, inspiration leads to the intimate posts that turn readers into subscribers. Inspiring posts create a connection with your readers. Wasn’t that the original intention of blogs?

Recently, I wrote a post about how NFL quarterback Tim Tebow inspires others. Whether you like American football or not, this guy inspires on so many levels. Whether it is a person, a place, a sunset, or the words of another, we all want inspiration. Writers NEED it.

As a writer, inspiration is a critical part of going from average to great. Inspiration motivates you to write more and fill up pages with words you hope alter people’s perceptions. Inspiration keeps you going when you have run out of steam.

But sometimes, finding inspiration is like squeezing water from a stone.

It is not a fun place to be, and discovering new inspiration becomes a creative mission. Besides all the practical ideas for finding writing inspiration, I think there are a few others worth mentioning.

1. Tell others what inspires you.

Sometimes we have to just shake up the words in our head and speak them aloud to others. Get a conversation going about anything that inspires you. This may be a vacation, your church, a motivational speaker, a book. Eventually, you will want to run home and write the stuff down.

2. Read about someone who has impacted the world.

There have been plenty of times I was in a “blah” mood and needed someone’s actions in the world to impress me. Reading about someone who has made a lasting difference, impacted the world, or even influenced people on a smaller scale produces positive feelings. For the most part, we are more motivated by positive things than negative.

3. Watch something inspiring.

This time of year, all the holiday movies and Christmas TV shows are airing on television. How can you not be inspired when you watch “It’s a Wonderful Life” or “Miracle on 34th Street”?  Even if it is not that time of year, find something that can inspire you. Watch a documentary about someone who made their dreams come true and pushed through rough patches only to persevere. Watch a travel channel about a place that inspires you to visit. Chances are you’ll find something that you can relate to.

4. Watch the news.

I understand that much of what is playing on the news is depressing and can actually fuel the uninspired more. But occasionally, your mind just needs a break from reading or the computer or electronic gadgets. Our minds need to play spectator once in a while in order to recharge. Other times, even the negative stories can get the juices flowing in your mind. Often just the thinking process, positive or negative, inspires you to write. The news can often inspire provocative and timely content ideas.

5.  Read an inspiring quote or message. 

I can’t tell you how many times I have read a simple quote or passage and been inspired to expand on it. In your writing, share how it impacts you and how it has motivated you to make a change in your life.  Spark conversation on your blog and ask others what quotes inspire them.

6. Communicate with others in your field.

I don’t know a lot of writers in person. I hope to change that with a couple of writers conferences I am attending next year. Not many people understand what it is like to live the life of a writer. It is not glamorous, it often means spending time alone, the pay is not real steady, and your job requires a constant state of ideas flowing from your head onto paper. Having other writers in your world can help you feel a little bit more sane and justified.

We live in a fast-paced world of instant gratification and minimal role models. Finding inspiration is not always easy. If you are a blog owner, there are millions of other blogs to compete with. Quality content is becoming more and more important on the Internet.

When you are in a rut, take a few moments and look around you for inspiration. Take some of these steps to loosen the ideas that are buried under boredom or monotony. Keep a notebook handy so when inspiration strikes, you can jot those ideas down!

Question: What do you do when you are seeking inspiration?

Discouragement with a side order of doubt is often on the menu of a writer who hasn’t found her way yet. There are days when everything seems to be working against you – no clients, too many clients, or a simple lack of inspiration. Maybe as a fledgling writer, you have felt like giving up. No one is reading your work or inspired by your thoughts. Are you even making a difference in the world?

I love football. I have for a long time. And in 1999, I jumped on the Denver Broncos bandwagon. Even though I am a Chicago Bears fan to the core, the Broncos had just won two Superbowls in a row. A lot of credit going to the quarterback – John Elway. I am sure I am not the only one who jumped on that bandwagon, seat belt tight, ready for the next season.

Now I live in Colorado, which makes it more logical to be a Denver fan.

Being a Bears fans first and a Broncos fan second this last Sunday meant a bittersweet ending for me.  The Bears lost to the Broncos. Once again, much of the credit is going to the quarterback. Where saving the game at the last minute is apparently in his playbook.

Unless you have not turned on ESPN for more than 4 minutes this last couple months, you are well aware the talk of the NFL is Tim Tebow. Tebowmania is in full swing. It makes some people a bit more positive and leaves others nauseated.

Tim Tebow Inspires

He changed the face of the Broncos literally, and figuratively. They were a losing team, and the rookie quarterback, Tim Tebow, brought them back by helping them win seven games in a row. The whole team has come together as a unit and beat my Bears in overtime, with an amazing 59 yard field goal. Bittersweet.

Yes, I have tightened my seatbelt even tighter. But now, the bandwagon is even more crowded. Even if you are not a fan of the NFL, you can still find inspiration in Tebow.

Tebow leads the team. He  pulled them out of a losing record and put them on the track to the playoffs. He inspires. Not only because of the winning streak, but Tebow gives hope to the team. He gives hope to Denver and the NFL. He gives hope to Americans, even those who don’t even watch football. He inspires me – to work harder, be a better Christian, eat healthier, work out more. To follow my dreams.

With all the not-so-admirable behavior in the media surrounding professional athletes and celebrities, it is refreshing to see a positive influence. Tebow is a mentor to many. Not only is he a positive influence as a football player, but he is an unwavering Christian, and that passion translates to his foundation, where he gives back to the community. The guy’s got heart. His charming smile and openness to the media make it easy to like the guy.

Yet some people still hate the man. They mock his open displays of prayer and gratefulness to God. Yet, he does not let that stop him. Not even close. He is focused and keeps on training for what he loves to do. Win football games.

Translating Hope and Inspiration in Your Life

Why am I sharing this with you? I have been a writer for a long time, but have only shared my thoughts publicly since 2007, while I was in Iraq. I realize my writing has improved since then, but that is not the point. Soon after, I started writing for money.

Back then, I was just like Tebow, leaving one life behind and starting another one. I was moving up to the pros – a rookie in the blogging and professional writing world. Filled with hope and aspirations. Understanding what is important.

I started this blog because I wanted to inspire and help others whatever their journey may be. When I changed the title to Inspired to Write, that was my intention and mission statement.

I know what it feels like to go against the grain and go with what you love, not what pays the most. I understand what is means to take the chance and do something outside of the norm. Even while people doubt you. I get what it means to put sweat, tears, and long hours into something you believe in, regardless of the skeptics and naysayers.

Whether you are a writer, a singer, an entrepreneur, or a football player, if you love what you do, it is important you give it all you got. I wanted this blog to help others find that hope in following their dreams – no matter what the odds.

I lost sight of that over the years, and the writing has become about work. Making money. Getting out blog posts to keep my readers. Writing about things I don’t have a passion for. Worrying about SEO rankings and my competition.

Isn’t that what happens to NFL players a few years after college?  They lose the love of the game. Instead, they demand more money, their ego’s blow up, they play dirty, and start fights on the field with other players. The love of football is no longer the motivating factor. Money gets the best, or the worst, of them. Self-righteousness overpowers their sportsmanship. Bad attitudes erupt. They forget what is important. They lose inspiration.

This is why Tebow inspires – he still loves the game. And people love him. He has a positive attitude, and is not out partying or getting into trouble with the law in between games. He gives glory to God, leads his team, and loves his family. And he is one heck of a player.

I hope as he progresses in his career, Tim will never lose sight of that. I hope he always remembers when he was bright-eyed and ready to conquer the world. For the love of the game.

While there are Tebow haters, the same happens to others who are successful. Or anyone who does things different than everyone else. Or gets too much positive attention. I think it stems from fear, jealousy, and anger. Or something even more petty.

As someone with your own dreams and hopes, don’t let those people discourage you on your journey – whatever dreams you may be following. Even if those dreams seem out of reach. When people question your success or envy it, you have to keep your eye on the ball. Push yourself to rise above the doubts and uncertainty because it is your passion. Keep that faith and remember why you had that dream to begin with.

For the love of it. Simply, for the love of it.

Are you writing to make money? Do you consider yourself a professional writer? Then you need an online presence. Having a website is the most logical way a freelance writer can obtain a presence online.  One of the most effective business tools in your arsenal may be your website.

Your website can be as simple and as elaborate as you want to make it. But there is no doubt about it – we live in a digital age. Even if you have been a professional writer since Microsoft was just a spark in a young guy’s imagination, a website is just a part of the world we live in.

You may be asking, can I be successful without a website? Sure you can, but if you are a brand new freelance writer, that may be tough. And it will certainly require a lot of marketing and mailing of samples.

A website makes life easier. Why?

1. Customers Search Online

When you are looking for information, I bet you turn to the web to do your research. The same holds true for finding and researching services or products. Even if you have a product in mind, you will still turn to the web to read more about that product. The Internet is not going away. Why not be a part of it?

There is a good chance your customers will do a web search to find a professional writer for their content requirements. Potential customers will likely do some of their research online. Unless they know of a writer personally, the prospect will look online to find one.  (Who looks at Yellow Pages anymore? And how many freelance writers list in the Yellow Pages anyhow?)

2. The Website Displays Your Portfolio

Potential clients may want to see your writing portfolio before they hire you. Your website offers a perfect place to post your samples and clips.

Not only can you post your portfolio on your website, but all of your blog posts and pages are available as writing samples. Remember, you never know who is looking at your website, so every piece of writing should be free of grammatical and spelling errors.

3. Establishes Credibility and Authority

Credibility and authority are significant buying triggers. Since everyone else wants to create a website for their business, content is in high demand. A website shows your prospects that you have the ability to write online. This helps establish your credibility as a writer. A website says that you take your writing serious and have no plans to skip town as soon as the client makes a payment.

There are also places on your website you can display the professional organizations you belong to. Consider publishing recognitions and awards you have received for your writing.

Your portfolio always demonstrates your professionalism. Testimonials are a huge display of credibility. A website allows you to compile all your accomplishments and put them out there for the world to see.

4. Establishes Your Brand

I started Tiffany Dow’s “Branding Challenge” Course a few weeks ago. The goal behind this challenge is to establish a brand, a personality and positive reputation everyone recognizes and trusts. As a small business owner, your brand is an important element. Customers connect with and want to buy from a brand they recognize. Likeability is a primary buying trigger. If your visitors like you, there is a better chance they are going to hire you. A website established this brand.

The writing on your website will help you connect and communicate with your readers. This is where your personality, ethics, and business style will peek through. Clients and customers will see this as well. This only further enhances your brand to your prospects, which will help sell your writing services.

5. More Effective & Efficient

Finally, your website simply means less work for you in the long run. Instead of mailing samples, marketing full throttle, and answering dozens of emails, having a website is a more effective and efficient may to run your freelance business.

Placing a FAQ page, your policies, an order form or shopping cart, your portfolio, and an About page on your website means all you have to do is send people your website address if they want to know more. This makes life easier for you and your prospects. This helps potential clients do their own research before they hire you.

If you are a writer, a website is simply a must. It really will help you grow and streamline your business.

As the end of the year draws near, it is common to start rethinking about your goals – your personal life’s goals, your fitness and diet goals, and your career goals.

In the career sense, I am always thinking about my writing goals, but often times, they seem to fall to the wayside. Each year, I vow to start new, with a new strategy for my writing content.  It begins with a plan and formulates into a planner. I write down my daily plans — i.e. write blog post on Monday, article on Wednesday, and market for clients on Thursday.

When I look back at the goals in my planner, around the January time frame, they are always lofty and filled with great ideas. Somehow, throughout the year, they get altered or forgotten. Why does that happen?

Whether you are trying to finish that novel, write a fantastic query letter, look for more clients, or maintain your blog, ask yourself – do you have a content strategy? Or are you like thousands of other writers and blog owners who just wing it or put is off for yet another day? Sometimes keeping up with writing feels like “work.” I mean actual work. I hate when that happens.  I write because I love it, and when it feels like work, I don’t love it.

One way to help is to not only make a plan, but stick to it! Consider creating a content strategy.

What Is a Content Strategy?

Content strategy is pretty much what it sounds like. It is a plan, or strategy, you create to develop, organize, and market your content for maximum results. This plan can start with an overall yearly plan, broken down into months, weeks, and days. I tend to work best with small goals.  Daily goals that I write down (actually physical put it on paper!) seem to help the best.

But you may work better if you have a content strategy for the entire year.  Find out what works best for you, and stick to it. Let’s see if we can make it through 2012 sticking to the majority of our goals.  Sure, there will be times we just can’t make it stick.  But we have to at least try.

Habits Make it Easier

Once you have a content strategy in place and make it a habit to stick with the plans, the process of writing becomes much easier.  Think of your goals as a boss you have to meet a deadline for.  When you are self-employed, it can be much easier to procrastinate, especially if you have income coming in elsewhere.

Working Smarter, Not Harder

Once you get the hang of it and start earning more money from your writing, it may be time to delegate, or outsource some of your tasks. At that point, time may be much more valuable than money.

Think Strategically

Answer these seven questions when creating your content strategy.

1. What is the purpose for your content?

I think one of the first things you need to do is think about the purpose of this writing? To have extremely effective content you want to have a purpose in mind.

For example, are you looking for more traffic to your website? Are you interested in promoting an affiliate product? Maybe you want to share a great piece of advice with a reader. For offline writing, finishing a chapter in your novel or formulating a query letter to send to a magazine may be your goals. It helps to create purpose for all of your writing content.

2. Where will you publish your content?

This is another consideration. I have several blogs and websites, and I also write articles and guest posts. There is a variety of places you can put your content, including the your blog, article sites, newsletters, magazines, and more. Each of these venues have different styles and editorial requirements.

3. What types of content will you publish?

Some writers don’t want to have an overwhelming number of options on their agenda for this month or even year. Consider the type of writing you want to focus on.  Having a focus can really lighten your load and clear some of the projects off your plate.

Maybe you want to focus on copywriting or put all your energy into your blog. Other considerations include articles, reports, and email responders.  Consider your readers on your blogs. Include that in your plan.

4. When will you write your content?

This is a critical part of being a freelance writer. You need to figure out your sweet spot or the time your creative mind is most productive. This is when the scheduling comes into play.

Think about your week and what you have going on outside of writing projects.  Do you have to take your kids to school?  Are you signed up for a fitness class in the evening?  Work around those times.  Then, ADD IT TO YOUR PLANNER.  Think of  it like an appointment you can not miss. There is really no right or wrong way to do this, but you have to schedule it if you want the content strategy to work well.

5. When will you publish/upload?

Publishing is another consideration for your overall strategy. Some people say certain times are better than others.  Ultimately, it is what works best for you.  Publish when you are ready. The great thing about your own blog is you can post date your posts. If you have a bunch of blog posts that you have written, schedule them for future dates of publication. Always fit time in your schedule for posting articles or blog posts.

6. How will you market your content and your business?

Being a writer today means you have to be a marketer as well. Part of your strategy should include coming up with a marketing plan. You want your readers and prospective customers to see your content!  One simple way to do this is social media.

Some veteran writers refuse to get on Facebook or other social media site.  Times have changed and social media is a significant part of your writing promotions. Guest posts and article marketing are a couple other ways to market your website, articles, book, or blog. The more people who are aware of your writing, the more readers and traffic you will have.

7. How will you maximize your content?

Finally, think about you can repurpose your content and reuse it. One way to do this is tweaking the main focus and publishing in different types of magazines. Another way is to repurpose your blog posts and put them in a report you give away or sell to your readers. Plan ways to make the most of your writing. Your time and energy is important.

Writing can not always be scheduled as easy as a dentist appointment. I understand creativity does not follow the clock on the wall. But having something in place at least gives you goals to shoot for.  Once you are in the regular habit of writing, you will be surprised how much easier it gets to come up with ideas.

What is your favorite writing blog?  I would love for you to say, Inspired to Write, but I understand if you don’t.  I just appreciate you stopping by to read!

One of the very first blogs I came across when I began writing online was WritetoDone.  I subscribed to it and have been reading it ever since.  I posted my interview with Leo Babauta, one of the blog owners, several months ago because of his inspiration.

Each year, Write to Done has created a post for readers to vote for the Best Writing Blog. This is the sixth year the contest has been running.

My blog has not been a winner, and even though it would be great to be nominated, I know there are dozens of helpful writing blogs.

Which ones do you read?

GO ahead and nominate your favorite writing blog today!! Hurry!  The votes have to be in by December 10th!