How To Write Quality Content
Do you have a desire to write, but are unclear as to what qualifies as "quality" content? Maybe you've been reading writing tips and advice from writers around the Internet, but you still don't really understand what makes writing good. Here are some of the best tried-and-true tips that will show you how to write quality content that will not only get read, but your readers will enjoy. These are broken down into different levels that every writer can and should seek to attain.
Level 1: Preparation
The most important thing any writer can learn is to be prepared at all times.
Stay in a writing mode all the time.
First and foremost, you should learn how to get and stay in a writing frame of mind. This means you constantly look for new and different ideas. Believe it or not, you can find great writing fodder anywhere, anytime, any place. You simply have to have the right mindset.
Never be caught without pen and paper.
Whether you prefer writing by hand or on a computer, you should never be without a notebook and pen. Ideas can come to you at any time, so you have to be prepared to collect them the moment they come to you. Otherwise, you will end up losing a lot of precious ideas that could very well be the basis of some awesome pieces of work.
Utilize pre-writing methods.
Early preparation should always include pre-writing methods. These will help kick-start your writing when you feel like you don't have anything to say. Some of the most popular ones include:
- brainstorming
- mindmapping
- jotting quick ideas
- lists
- quotes
Level 2: Write
You aren't a writer unless you write.
Use brainstorming or notes to get started.
If you've started working on the first level, you should already have started collecting a nice resource to pull from. Using ideas and brainstorming notes, you can immediately shift into writing mode. You will no longer have the excuse that you don't know where to begin or what to write. If you have an idea bank, you have plenty of ideas to pull inspiration from.
Set a timer.
Sometimes writers think if they write against the clock their work will not have the same level of quality. This isn't necessarily true. There are times when you need to push yourself to do something different. Routines are great, but they are also sometimes conducive to writing blocks. Instead of going with your normal writing routine, set a timer for 15 minutes and write your heart out.
Get outside.
If you are still having trouble getting started, maybe you need to take your writing outdoors. Getting some fresh air and sunshine is often helpful to get things moving. Take your paper and pen outside and see if you can coax your writing this way.
Remember to break and hydrate.
Don't get so wrapped up in writing that you forget to take frequent breaks. Get up and walk around for 10 minutes. Grab a glass of water. Take the dog out for a quick walk. Step away from your work for a few minutes and you'll come back refreshed and ready to hit it again.
Need help with commas?
Level 3: Study
Every good writer seeks to continue on a path of learning and self-improvement.
Use your public library.
The public library is an awesome resource that far too many writers neglect. You can almost always find a treasure of books that will help improve your writing skills. In addition to writing books, though, don't forget to seek out books on self-improvement. The more confident you feel in yourself, the more confident you'll become with writing.
Research new topics.
If you have some new interests, don't put them aside because you're too busy trying to write. Learning new things will not only feed your own mind, but it will serve as a basis of new information that could very well help to improve your writing. The more knowledgeable you are, the more well-rounded your writing can become.
Take writing classes.
If you know your writing is deficient in a certain area, like grammar, for example, find a class you can sign up for to help you improve on this skill. There are tons of writing classes available online and many local colleges offer English and writing classes as well.
Bonus Tips on How To Write Quality Content
- Be confident in yourself.
- Learn and apply your education to your writing.
- Always seek to improve your writing skills.
- Research topics you are unfamiliar with.
- Ask questions.
- Seek advice or counsel from other writers.
- Find a mentor.
- Read your work backwards to find mistakes you'd otherwise overlook.
- Find a critique partner.
- Hire an editor.
- Proofread your work.
- Learn from other writers who have already made it to where you hope to be some day.
- Set goals for yourself.
- Follow through.
- Collect ideas all the time.
- Use outlines to pre-write.
- Work every day to improve yourself.
This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and is not meant to substitute for formal and individualized advice from a qualified professional.
© 2010 Hope Wilbanks