Let a Writing Outline Give You a Kick-start

There's no need to fall prey to writer's block, a writer's biggest complaint. To be sure, when you're writing in unfamiliar territory, it's natural to feel anxiety and sometimes you'll draw a blank. Even so, when you started the project, you probably felt competent enough in the area to believe you could produce a worthwhile piece. As an accomplished writer, you know that writing isn't that tough, once you get started. Here are some ways to get out of the doldrums:

Write the Outline

When you're stuck, try writing a quick outline. If you're not in the mood for outlining then just jot down some simple bullet points. Once you have the points, write a quick introduction for them and add a conclusion to the end. Some articles have more things to cover and may need more or fewer topics. Reflect on any parts that seem a little vague and keep working until you have a decent outline.

Write some content

When you finally have your intro, your bullet points, and your conclusion, just start writing. Following your outline, just add meat to the bones you've already written until you get to the end. Don't try to edit as you're writing, instead, let the words flow out without regard to whether or not they are exactly right. When you finish, look the piece over to see if it covers the topic adequately and is coherent. Make minor adjustments if necessary. This is your first draft.

Set it aside

Set it aside for a few hours or even a day or two, so that when you begin editing you can do it with a fresh viewpoint. When you let yourself become removed from the project, you can critique and edit almost as though it were someone else's writing.

Edit the work

Start editing in earnest. Check for spelling errors, grammar problems and other issues. Read the piece aloud to check for flow and choice of phrasing. Make any changes you need to improve structure, to make an idea more understandable or to just polish the writing.

Set it aside again

Once you're satisfied, set the piece aside for awhile again, then take one last look from the viewpoint of your audience. You may be amazed at how well the piece reads after you get away from it for awhile and see it with fresh eyes.

This whole process of just starting to write is called discipline. Once you have it, writing is no longer just a job, it becomes a craft.