Are you writing a short article or blog post and finding that it’s more difficult than you want it to be? Or that it takes longer than you want it to because you can’t quite seem to pin it down?

Let’s take a look inside the writing process. These steps and tips may be helpful.

• Always be clear about your purpose before you pen even one word. You must know why you are writing this piece and what you want to achieve as a result.
• Visualise who you are writing for – see your reader in your mind’s eye.
• Sketch the outline and structure of your piece. No matter it’s a short piece, resist scribbling away until you have noted down your main point and the logical order of your argument.
• When structuring, try using a mind mapping tool (such as mindmeister.com, my favourite) to easily move key points, facts and segments around and stop your brain getting into a linear rut.
• Write your first draft quickly, if you can. And avoid getting stuck at first base by trying to perfect the language as you go or come up with the perfect opening line.
• You’ll probably revise it a few times and when you are happy with the draft, read it aloud to yourself. If you hesitate or stumble at any point, it’s a sign that something needs a tweak to keep it flowing.
• If you find you’re re-working it a lot, you may have skipped one or more of the first three points. Being clear about purpose and audience, argument and structure before you start writing gives you a simple content plan to which to write.
• Even with a short piece, it’s handy (and brain friendly) to use a checklist. This is especially good for those technical things that may not yet be second nature. For example, checking for active vs passive voice, particular vocabulary or grammar. A checklist takes care of specific detail allowing your brain to do what it’s designed to do best, be creative.
• When you think you’ve finished, let it go cold. With short pieces, taking a short break or getting on with something else will do. If you have the time, leave it overnight. Your subconscious will relax and may just pop up with an inspiring improvement and you may well find you can reduce and craft it a little further. But avoid getting tangled up in perfectionism.

Worth reading

The Royal Literary Fund has a wealth of helpful articles such as this one called ‘Editing like a pro’.

‘Understanding how every step works in publishing will help you organise your own work, and plan a realistic and achievable writing schedule. It should also encourage you to let go of the deceptive idea that a perfect first draft is possible, or even desirable.’ Lydia Syson

The Plain English Campaign also has a number of free guides including ‘How to write in plain English’ and the ‘The A-Z of alternative words’.