Are you trying to figure out how to get into the writing zone?
Content and copywriters all share the same struggle: constantly getting over their writer’s block to reach deadlines and produce quality content.
But let’s be honest: some days are just easier than others.
When you find yourself stuck, try out one of these 7 proven tips on how to get in the writing zone.
How to Get in the Writing Zone: 7 Expert Strategies
1) Create a Writing Schedule
If you’re writing blog posts every day, create a schedule that tells you when to start and stop.
For example, Monday-Wednesday, work on articles from 11 AM – 12 PM; Thursday-Friday, write from 11 AM – 12 PM and then again at around 15 minutes past the hour until three hours are up (so about 12:15, 12:45, and 13:20).
This way, you can plan time to work on your writing without feeling like it’s infringing upon other tasks. You will also be less likely to procrastinate because of the schedule that you have set for yourself.
This is a proven technique by many content writers who say it has helped
2) Make Sure to Outline Your Work First
An outline is a great way to ensure that you are writing relevant content and not fluff.
You should write down the main points you want your post to cover, whether it’s five or ten major sections in total. Then fill out each section with as much detail as possible without straying from the point of the article itself.
This is a proven technique by many content writers who say it has helped them produce better, more organized work in less time.
3) Cut out Distractions
Turn off your notifications, log out of Twitter and Facebook, or uninstall all the apps from your phone.
The more distractions you have around you while writing can affect not just how well you write but also decrease the time it takes to complete an article on average by nearly 30%.
It can also help you focus on your writing and make sure that you actually get the job done.
If this isn’t possible or too extreme for some people (such as those whose job requires them to remain on social media networks throughout the day), then try setting aside writing time at a certain hour or set days of the week.
4) Build a “Writer’s Space” at Home
This is a great way to help you get in the writing zone.
Having your own designated space for working on articles or writing blog posts will not only increase your productivity but also motivate you to write more content and better work overall.
Though it can be tempting to work on your blog posts or articles at the kitchen table, the desk in a spare room, and even outside (which is what some writers prefer), you should try creating an actual space for yourself that’s dedicated solely to writing.
By carving out a writing space for yourself, you can ensure that your time spent working on content will be efficient and productive. You’ll also find it easier to get into the flow of things when there are fewer distractions around you.
Personally, I like my writing space to be clutter-free. That means having a small desk with a few pieces of scrap paper and pens for outlining.
That said, you may be the type of person who thrives in the chaos!
The point is that you should build a writing space that works for YOU.
5) Try Writing in a Public Space (Like a Coffee Shop)
Some days, you might need a little more accountability than others.
While your home office or writing space may have limited distractions, you might find it too tempting to flip on your favorite show or play your favorite game online.
In order to get into the zone and stay there for a longer period of time without being tempted by other tasks, many writers swear that writing in public spaces such as coffee shops is effective.
This way, not only will you be more motivated to write because you don’t want to lose your seat at the coffee shop, but you’ll also be able to enjoy a change of scenery.
But the real reason this will make you more productive is that you’re less likely to waste time with others around.
While it may sound a little silly, I’ve found that I do my best writing from coffee shops with people nearby. That’s because many of the distractions I would turn on in private (like Facebook, Instagram, Netflix, and so on) would make me feel silly browsing in public.
Imagine sitting down at a busy coffee shop and starting to binge-watch your favorite show. At some point, you’d likely realize it isn’t the atmosphere for that activity and get back to writing!
6) Write Your Introduction LAST
Writing the introduction to your post last is a great way to ensure that you’re including all of the most important details in it and not rushing through what should be an engaging opening.
When you’re writing a long-form article, it can be easy to get caught up in the details or lose sight of what needs to go at the beginning and what should come later on.
Generally speaking, your introduction should include all of the most important points about why readers need to read this specific post (as well as the value it will provide them).
By waiting to write your introduction last, you’ll be able to craft a strong intro that’s more likely to keep your readers engaged.
Introductions are also the thing that many writers struggle with most. But when you write the actual content first, it’s that much easier to get (and stay) in the writing zone.
Then when your creative juices are at their peak, you can write your introduction all the more easily.
7) If You’re Stuck, Write ANYTHING
If you’re struggling to write a blog post or an article, it can be easy to get stuck in a rut.
Since writing is one of those tasks that requires concentration and focus, writers often find themselves unable to continue with their work when they feel like the flow has been broken.
However, there’s no reason to let yourself get stuck when you’re out of the writing zone.
If you find that you’ve run out of ideas, it’s OK to write something random just so that your brain stays active!
Whenever I feel stuck, I simply tell myself, “Well, write SOMETHING, even if it’s garbage. You can always delete it later.”
Doing this takes the pressure off from trying to find the “perfect words” and allows me to continue with my flow of writing.
It DOES require me to be more thorough in my 2nd draft edits, but that’s something we should all probably do anyways.
At the end of the day, when you’re feeling stuck with your writing, a good adage to live by is “something is better than nothing.”
Again, just write ANYTHING.
Then when you go back to edit, you can always “kill your darlings,” so to speak.
And that’s all for today! These have been 7 proven tips for how to get in the writing zone.
Hopefully, you can use the tips in this post to write more clearly, efficiently, and, of course, more quickly.