My 3-Step Writing Process That You Need to Steal
To become a consistent writer
Lately, I’ve been very consistent with my writing.
I’ve been easily able to write 3–5 articles a week.
Here’s my 3-step writing process that you can steal:
Step 1: Creating a headline vault
Anyone who’s ever tried to write on the internet will tell you that coming up with topics to write about is one of the most difficult parts of writing.
When you’ve got a topic in mind and you start writing, the ideas start flowing and an article is completed in no time.
But you can waste a lot of time if you don't have a topic to write about.
The key is to jot down all your ideas (whether good or bad) in a headline vault. A place which you can turn to when you start writing.
I write all my article topic ideas into my notes app on my phone. Anytime I have an idea for an article, I quickly note it down.
This does one of two things:
1. It creates a database of ideas that I can look back on
2. It helps me write articles faster as I don't need to think of ideas anymore
Every morning, I open my notes app and look at all the article ideas I’ve written down. I choose a topic and start writing.
If I see the headline vault running out of headlines, I take time just to come up with more ideas and fill the vault back again.
Step 2: Draft mode
Once I start writing, I don't stop until I finish the article. But the catch is that this is just my draft version, not the final one.
Every morning, I try to take time to write an article before starting my day. I also attach my work to an action. For example, I don't eat breakfast before I finish the draft article.
This not only makes me get up early and finish the article but also makes sure I don't leave an article halfway.
The draft mode is just a rough outline of the article. It need not be perfect. You can have grammatical errors, you can write long paragraphs. But you need to write and finish the draft article.
Step 3: Editing mode
The next step is the final step in my writing process. I never publish the article once I complete writing a draft version.
I’ve noticed that even if the article looks perfect when you re-read it, you will find ways to make it better.
The editing mode involves, shortening the article, removing unnecessary information, and making sure it flows properly.
The draft mode is like cooking a meal, the editing mode is preparing the plate and serving it to the audience. You might have cooked the best meal ever, but if your presentation is bad, no one is going to taste your food.
Similarly, the editing mode is important to give the final touches to an article. To make sure a good image is used, the headline is catchy enough to grab someone's attention, the article is not long and boring and the introduction is short.
Summarizing
When I started writing, I had no process in mind. I used to stare at the blank screen and wait for inspiration to strike. But it seldom did.
Here’s my 3 step writing process:
Create a headline vault to never run out of ideas
Write a draft article, first thing in the morning
Edit the article, like it's a fine piece of art
This process works for me but it may or may not work for you.
However, you can use this as a guide to create your own process.
-Rishav