Here are the things I do before I write
My four phases of writing.
After penning 1000's of stories, I've learned never to jump straight into writing. Here's what I do instead.
I've written practically every type of content: EDMs, reports, blog articles, thought leadership pieces, website copy, product brochures... and more.
From advertorials, editorial stories, to annual reports, the following phases are always present when I write.
Preparing the stage
The ground must first be prepared.
This could be a detailed brief defining what is needed, an interview with an expert, or even getting hold of relevant technical documentation. Or a combination of them.
Even when editing, it's crucial to set the stage by learning about the editorial focus, the expertise of the author, and the target audience before starting work.
Cognitive warm-up
For years I couldn't figure out why it took so long to get started even when I had everything I needed. Turns out there's a mental process of preparation.
- Reviewing the deliverables.
- Opening up reference materials.
- Reading and internalising source materials.
This is why I had a desk customised with two distinct workspaces - it let me keep relevant files and windows for at least two "live" projects open simultaneously.
Writing
Finally, the writing. There are 3 distinct aspects to this phase.
- Creating the framework.
- Getting "over the hill".
- Push to the finish.
Each stage comes with its own set of challenges, from getting the ball rolling, writing the first few hundred words, to bringing things to a satisfying conclusion.
I don't have room to go into the details; suffice to say that a story without a plot or a clear conclusion will take a long, long time to write.
Rest and revise
This phase makes all the difference between a good story and one that absolutely dazzles.
Taking a break after completing the initial draft before moving on to editing does wonders to help you spot errors better. Much better.
Waiting until the next day is optimal, but even a lunch break or any time off from the content will help you see the text with fresh eyes and make necessary revisions.
How do you write?
