You’re a writer, and you’re really proud of your work, but somehow you’re still not experiencing the success you rightly deserve. The good news is, you’re not alone. An even better piece of news is that there are many things you can do to improve your position. We’ve compiled a short list of 9 tips and tools that will help every writer reach the next level of success. Check it out.
1. Simply Get Up and Start Working
One of the most common mistakes all writers make once their inspiration runs dry is to spend an entire day doing nothing, waiting for the inspiration to come back. Guess what, it’s won’t! You can wait, or, you can just sit and start working. You will find that, once you get those creative juices flowing, ideas will start popping out of nowhere, simply because you put yourself into that situation.
2. Limit the Time You Spend Writing
If you’re in a situation where you have to spend the next several hours hunkered down at your desk writing, instead of procrastinating and thinking about how much work there is to be done, limit the amount of time you’re going to spend writing. Give it two hours, and stick to that. It is very likely that you will get in the zone and continue working past those two hours. If not, you will still have some work done, instead of none.
3. Bribe Yourself
Writing is a profession where bribing is perfectly legitimate at times. Each time you complete a milestone, reward yourself with something. Whether it’s a long walk, a piece of chocolate cake, or some ice cream, it doesn’t matter. Just pick something that will drive you to complete all the work ahead you.
4. Take a Break
Sometimes, no matter how hard you try, you can’t seem to get ahead. If that’s the case, maybe you should take a break. For instance, it is a lot better to spend an hour taking a nice, relaxing walk during which you will clear your head, and then come back and knock that article out of the park in no time, instead of spending several hours trying to eke out words, and then giving up.
5. Take advantage of Online Apps
In addition to the general tips, we also recommend some actual writing tools that will benefit you.
5.1. OpenOffice
Every writer needs a pen, or in this day and age, some digital tools that will help them put their ideas into words. Obviously, there is Microsoft Office, which is great, but very expensive for most writers. You also have Google Docs, but if your internet connection is spotty, or you simply prefer to work offline and save your work on your computer, it won’t do. Save your money and give OpenOffice a shot. Its tools, the OpenOffice Writer, in particular, are quite similar to those offered by Microsoft Office, and in some aspects, even better. And best of all, OpenOffice is free.
5.2. EssayNara
EssayNara is an excellent online resource if you are looking for experienced and skilled professionals which will proofread, edit and format your work if you are too busy to do it yourself. Finding someone you can trust with that sort of thing is difficult, and Papers Gear is definitely a resource you can rely on 100%.
5.3. Dropbox
Freelance writers swear by it, and for a good reason. Dropbox is a simple, yet an extremely effective tool which you can use to backup your files, and sync them across all devices you own. That way, you will have no trouble accessing them on a different platform, and in case your computer goes haywire, you work won’t be lost forever.
5.4. Plagtracker
You should always try to generate new ideas, and Plagtracker can help you with that. You can use it to check if your writings do not duplicate someone else content. Besides, you can also organize your notes and access them later at any given moment, regardless of the platform.
5.5. Focus Booster
Although it sounds like the name of an energy drink, or a protein supplement, Focus Booster is actually a great tool that will help you remain concentrated on your work. If you are a freelance writer, meaning you have to operate on a tight deadline, Focus Booster will make you more efficient, because it acts like an online timer. It breaks up your work into smaller, 25-minute segments of work, followed by a 5-minute break. This should keep your focus tack-sharp.
Conclusion:
Start implementing these tools and tips today, and you will reap the benefits in no time.
