Notice the word “tips” in the title of this post? I recently said I rarely use that word to describe things I write because it suggests something common and of lesser value. I’m using it here to illustrate that there are exceptions.
It’s okay to use the word when you’re sharing quick ideas, short bits of information, a list of resources or recommendations.
It’s also okay to use the word because you want to.
But always consider when you might use a more powerful alternative.
Today, I’m using the word because it fits this article—simple practices that allow you to write brief articles in less time.
As you know, I write an article every weekday. Here’s how I do it:
- No research. Write from your knowledge and experience, from something in your notes or files, something you read, watched, observed, or thought.
- Collect ideas. Set up a file and save articles, notes, observations, quotes, and fleeting ideas you find or think of throughout your day. When you have hundreds of ideas at your fingertips, you never want for something to write about.
- Choose your topic the night before. Your subconscious mind will “work” on the idea overnight and the next day, you won’t have to decide what to write. You can sit down and write it.
- Short and simple. A few paragraphs are fine. A few hundred words are plenty. Don’t obsess over images, SEO, link building, or formatting.
- Watch the time. Give yourself 20 or 30 minutes to finish (at least the first draft). Train yourself to write, publish, and get on with your day. Adopt the motto: “Done is better than perfect.”
Bonus tip: write often. The more you write, the quicker you get.
For more ways to write quicker (and better), get this
