Let’s Improve Your Writing Process with These 5 Steps
Written by HigherVisibility
As a writer, I have my own way of putting together my writing samples, especially when it comes to digital rhetoric. Creating content can become repetitive and lead to problems like writer’s block, lack of motivation, and not being able to produce enough content.
From my experience, one of the best ways to avoid these issues is by trying out new content creation processes that make you more aware of each step. Every few months, when I feel burned out from writing things the same way over and over, I like to change my writing process to hit the refresh button. If you’re feeling stuck in your writing, you should give my current streamlined writing process a try.
Contents
Steps for the Writing Process
Step 1: Discover It
First things first, let’s find something interesting to write about. One of my go-to sources for inspiration is Reddit. It’s a platform where people ask questions, share ideas, and discuss trends across all industries. The best part is that it feels natural and authentic, making it easy to discover topics that pique your interest. You can find a wide range of angles to approach different subjects.
No matter where you find your inspiration, it’s important to set aside time for exploration. Giving yourself the freedom to delve into different topics and get lost in your curiosity is key to igniting your passion as a writer.
Digging into the Research
I think research is really important because it adds depth to your writing. When you reference studies, surveys, and other information in your writing, it strengthens your point and establishes you as an authority on the topic.
Give it a Format
Before I start writing, I decide on the format I want to use, whether it’s lists, bullet points, infographics, surveys, or checklists. This helps me because it guides me in approaching the topic. For example, I wouldn’t write a detailed analysis the same way I would write a step-by-step guide. It also keeps me focused on making the content useful for others, as I’m actively shaping it into a valuable piece of content that people can actually benefit from.
Create an Outline
When I sit down to write, I always start by creating an outline. It’s the most important step in my writing process. Without it, I would feel lost and overwhelmed. An outline is like a roadmap for my thoughts. It helps me stay organized and keeps me on track.
So how do I create an outline? Well, first I jot down all of my main points on a piece of paper. These are the key arguments or ideas that I want to convey in my writing. Once I have them down, I start to organize them in a logical order. I think about how they should flow and connect with each other.
But an outline is more than just a list of points. It’s like a skeleton that I can fill in with flesh and blood. Each point is like a chunk of text that I need to expand upon. I break down each point and think about what information or examples I need to include to support it.
By creating an outline, I save myself a lot of time and frustration later on. When I actually start writing, I already have a clear idea of what I want to say and how to structure my piece. All I have to do is connect the dots and flesh out the details.