Writing Procrastination: How you can overcome it

There are so many writers that I know in the writing community that have skills that are totally and unbelievably out of this world. But let me tell you something, I’m certainly not one of them. These skills that I speak of are not the ones you might be thinking. I’m talking about the skill to start their writing session with ease and knock out 2-3k words like it’s nothing.

As I write this I am having difficulty just trying to keep my butt on the chair and finish the article.

And you know what, I know that I’m not the only one, which is why I have decided that we should work on this together and find out what the root problem is how to prevent it from happening.

First off, you think I’m talking about writers’ block? I assure you that I am not and that particular malady is not what ails you. I am here to talk to you about writing procrastination. Yes, that is real and yes, it is probably what you have.

I know that there are many writers out there that truly enjoy the process of writing but for a number of people writing really isn’t all that it’s cracked up to be, no matter how much you guys enjoy your craft. There are so many reasons why sitting down and writing anything can be difficult and writers take it for granted that they have writer's block and just stop. And that is when writing procrastination wins out and you're stuck.

The good news though? Writing procrastination is completely normal.

You shouldn’t believe that because it seems like everyone has something to show for their writing that they haven’t struggled just as you are now. So, don’t feel bad for your lack of motivation. There are reasons for this and I am here to help you pinpoint which ones are the ones that are plaguing you and how to overcome it.

In this blog post, I will give you an in-depth analysis on some of the reasons that you might be procrastinating your writing as well as some solutions that will have you on the write path—pun intended.

Interactive Writing Prompt: Session 1

Interactive writing prompt Friday has arrived and I know you guys are as excited as I am. The main goal of this blog post is to get everyone to write something, whether you are a blogger, author, teacher, student, office employee, etc.

This exercise is open to everyone and it would be amazing if all of us could participate via the comments section (you can write it in word or notepad and then just copy and paste if that’s easier for you).

Maybe you've been itching to write something, but haven't had any inspiration? Or you're currently working on something and seem to be in a rut? Perhaps this could just be a fun little side venture? Have you been looking to write something outside of your genre? Whatever this prompt means to you, I just want everyone to have fun with it.

I will pick a prompt which I think was the most creative and well thought out and display it on my Writing Prompt Spotlight page with a link to your website, blog or social media account. Your prompt will be there until the next writing prompt exercise.

Without further ado, I present you this month’s writing prompts.

You can choose one out of the two:

or

How to Write an EPIC Cold Email + FREE Template

So, you’ve probably sent out a cold email at some point, or maybe you haven’t gathered the courage to do so yet. Either way, this blog post is for you.

Hundreds of people have sent out cold emails and never got a response, and, if we’re being honest, it’s probably not their fault. These people that you’re emailing?  They’re extremely busy and usually, just can’t be bothered. 

So, your email needs to really pop and wow for them to take those 2-3 minutes to read what you have to say. Whether you want to get an affiliate for your blog or you want to email that publisher about your amazing manuscript, these tips will be what turns that dead silence into an influx of replies you won’t know what to do with.

What you will find inside:

1. Structure: Long isn’t always best. 
2. Ask for advice, not money: Shows your respect and admiration. 
3. Do your research: Shows your enthusiasm and initiative.
4. Personalize your email:  Find out how your product fits with them, not the other way around.
5. Write Conversationally: Makes it more palatable and it's less boring.
6. Remember to thank them: Shows your gratitude for their time, and if they respond, their patronage.   
7. Aim High: Gumption is all you need sometimes to get the ball rolling in your favor.
8. Follow up email: Make sure they received your email or it can be a reminder if they forgot to respond.

Proofreading Like a Pro +FREE Printable Checklist

I have to finish this essay and its due in 1 week. Does that sound like you? Or how about this; My boss is waiting for me to send this email, let me write it really fast and send it out. 

If you’ve ever said anything like that, then this is probably the post for you. You’re most likely thinking that you have no time to proofread your paper, email, blog, short story or website. Well, I’m here to set the record straight and provide you with the editing tips you need to ditch that thought. I'm going to take the route of the college student because I think they are the ones least likely to edit their work and should be the ones who do it the most. Professors take note when you religiously make the same mistakes without bothering to correct it--and either a) they think you’re lazy or b) that you don’t care, or maybe even both.

So, I’ve compiled 4 of the trickiest style mistakes to look out for while you’re editing your work. For you, my college student who just wants to make sure they get an A, these are the four areas you will be working on—and a few tips to help you get them right.

•    Basic grammar and punctuation.

•    Sentence structure.

•    Words and their excessive use.

•    The voice of your paper.

I’ve put together a printable checklist. Print it out so you have it near you as you edit to check off what you’ve done and can clearly see what’s left to do.