You asked for them, so here they are! These are my go-to tips when writing and editing.

 

1. Write freely first, then go back and edit later.

This is the tip I have the hardest time following. It's tempting to perfect every sentence as you're writing, but you'll lose ideas and momentum along the way. Get your ideas out onto the page first, and then focus on polishing the writing later.

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2. To lift a writer's block, just start writing about anything.

It doesn't matter what it is. The weather, your dog, your childhood stuffed animal. I once wrote a piece about a seashell I brought home from the beach. Just start working your writing muscle, and you'll be surprised what might come to you.

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3. Read your writing out loud. 

This is the best way to check for clarity and flow. Hearing your words spoken out loud can ensure there are no mistakes and that your writing is easy to follow.

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4. Use transitions between different ideas and paragraphs.

Think, "How do these ideas flow together?" Make sure your reader can understand the connection between your sentences. And don't be afraid to summarize to make sure your ideas are clear.

 

5. Determine who your audience is.

Who are you writing for? Yourself, friends, clients, kids, writer's club, moms, women in their 30s, travelers going abroad, New Jersey residents? Being clear about this is so important in determining what to say and how to say it.

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6. Have someone else read your writing.

Most times you need an outside perspective to look at your writing. Another person can find things you missed or let you know that something that made perfect sense to you does not to another person. It can be a friend, family member, partner, mentor, or editor (wink, wink). But remember to take their feedback as suggestions–in the end go with what feels right to you!

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7. Use writing prompts.

Writing prompts are so great for providing a bit of structure or fueling your creativity. They could also be another way of working through a writer's block. It doesn't have to be regimented–if you're answering a prompt and it leads you in another direction, roll with it! 

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8. If you're trying to make writing a habit, attach another habit to it.

Every time you are going to write, for example, make yourself some matcha tea or put on a lo-fi beats playlist. Your brain will associate the tea or the certain music with writing time, and you'll be more likely to focus and get into the flow.

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9. When proofreading, start at the end and read your sentences in reverse order.

Reading your writing backwards allows you to focus on the sentences individually and will help you find errors you might have skipped over while reading in the flow.

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10. Release the need for perfection.

Everyone and everything is perfectly imperfect, so don't stress too much! You may never feel that a writing piece is "done," but it's better to share at some point than nitpick in private forever. And typos and grammar mistakes happen with everyone, even me!