Going On A Word Diet

There are three ways to write a first draft. One is to ink whatever surfaces, in whatever order without regard to grammar, spelling or staying on topic. After the free write, the points, and message extracted for notes or an outline. Time is its adversary and clarity chisels its way forward slowly.

Or start with a plan that minimally includes a purpose, description, chosen structure, word count, objective, points, message, and possibly a mind map or outline. Patience is its adversary and clarity the benefit.

Third, you hold the pen, connect with your higher power, and allow the recording session to begin. You become an aqueduct for a message, usually to humanity or yourself. Dr. Wayne Dwyer, on his PBS show with the same name of his latest book, says, "I connected with God and the book [Power of Intention] seemed to write itself. I didn't know what was going to appear nor did I do any planning." He continues to explain how a very lose but clear outline visually formed right before each writing session. It became clearer while he created an outline. The water just gushed afterwards and he could hardly keep up. Control is its adversary and clarity and enlightenment forms after the writing.

We frequently read that writing requires organization, clarity, focus, and the discipline to write tight. Yet, seldom provided are methods on how to leave out the lard "before" the ink scratches the page--saving editing time.

Organization also contributes to lard remove. Some writers believe that organization stifles creativity while others take an opposite viewpoint. There is a compromise -- organization with a twinge of discipline. High productivity, a requirement of freelancers, requires organization.

Here are four strategies on how you can eliminate excess words and increase productivity before they hit the page:

1. Build massive creative steam before starting to write -- see and taste the words before you begin. Robert Fritz, an expert and author on creativity, expands on this process with progressive clarity through each of his three books. Fritz explains how important it is to push the idea, generating creative tension, until the last part of the first stage of creativity. He continues to explain how important it is to carry this first energy through to the second stage, which doesn't carry its own energy. He also discusses how each of the three stages requires a separate set of skills for writers. And why the two top reasons why writers lose interest or drop projects--lost creative tension and didn't have the skills for the second stage, becomes frustrating, and gives up.

2. Dr. Stephen Covey says, "Begin with the end in mind" when managing time. That same philosophy works just as well for writing projects. First, fully define the project, including purpose and goals, and your reader. "A 150-page personal development self-help book for coaches on..." is an example. Minimally include the word, page, and chapter counts, publishing plans, and description paragraph. Experts at the annual Maui writer's conference, highly recommend writing a 25-word description before you begin the project.

3. Choose a structure that matches your writing style and results desired. Just like articles has six basic writing structures, so does fiction, science fiction, how-to, and other genres. As a new writer, you might want to master one structure at a time.

4. Outline and match to word count desired. The actual way you outline does not matter. Be it a napkin or toilet paper, mind map or clustering, computer or crayon. An outline reduces lard and helps minimize tangents. Write your project description at the top of the page, then, sketch out the outline, keeping in mind the word count and the reader. Next, reduce the number of items or branches to match your defined result.

Getting the lard out of our writing before it indents a page is like getting the lead out to exercise. Both require conscious commitment and continuous dedication. Yet, just like the pounds, both will get lighter.

(c) copyright 2004, Catherine Franz

Catherine Franz is a Marketing & Writing Coach, niches, product development, Internet marketing, nonfiction writing and training. Additional Articles: http://www.abundancecenter.com blog: http://www.abundancecenter.com

one time home cleaning Highland Park ..
In The News:

Privacy risks are hiding in plain sight, as your personal data is likely being collected, tracked, and sold without your knowledge.
VenHub, a fully autonomous, AI-powered smart store just opened at the LAX/Metro Transit Center in Los Angeles.
A woman's Facebook account takeover reveals dangerous social engineering tactics and provides lessons on recovery, avoiding scams and enacting stronger security measures.
Shanghai engineers are using 432 walking robots to relocate a complex, preserving Shikumen architecture while creating space for a modern underground hub and cultural center.
Major healthcare data analytics firm Episource had a cybersecurity incident exposing 5 million patients' medical records and personal information in recent breach.
A new sophisticated PayPal scam sends legitimate-looking emails from official PayPal addresses, using phone numbers instead of links to convince victims to download remote access tools.
Fox News' AI Newsletter brings you the latest on this rapidly evolving technology.
The innovative Kara Pod device extracts moisture from air to create mineral-rich water and brew coffee, featuring UV sterilization and compatibility with Nespresso pods.
Gov. Hochul unveiled New York's nuclear power plant project to power a million homes, which faces permit challenges while promising jobs and a cleaner energy future.
SAFE introduces Aerie, an underground luxury bunker combining high-end living with advanced security, wellness amenities and interactive walls simulating panoramic views.
A Facebook scammer posing as Elon Musk tricked a victim with promises of a Tesla and $250,000, requesting gift cards that become untraceable once the codes are shared.
Experience hands-free golfing with the Robera Neo smart caddie that uses AI to follow you, navigate obstacles and carry your clubs with GPS course mapping.
Cybersecurity alert: 16 billion passwords exposed in massive credential database affecting major platforms. Protect your accounts with password managers
The innovative BeBot robot uses electric power to remove pollution from shorelines, covering 20-30 times more area than manual collection while preserving wildlife.
A new ClickFix campaign targets macOS users with fake Spectrum support sites, tricking victims with CAPTCHA failures to paste commands that install information-stealing malware.
AI-powered autonomous trucks from Plus Automation are being tested across the U.S., Europe and Asia to solve logistics challenges while facing regulatory hurdles and labor concerns.
Your health information might feel private and secure with your doctor, but the reality is far more complicated. Data brokers collect a wide range of sensitive health data, from diagnoses and prescription details to personal identifiers, and sell this data to marketers, insurers, and other third parties.
Kepler Robotics has officially introduced its Forerunner K2 "Bumblebee" humanoid robot at the SAIC-GM automotive plant in Shanghai, marking a significant moment in the real-world deployment of advanced robotics.
Scammers never seem to be running out of new ways to try and get their hands on your money – and lately, they've been getting sophisticated.
Thirty people were injured and killed, though the exact number remains currently unknown, when a suicide bomber blew himself up in a Damascus church.
Unexpected password reset alerts signal potential hacking attempts or phishing scams. Learn how to respond and establish stronger security measures for your accounts.
A historic electric airplane flight landed at JFK with passengers, marking a milestone as Beta Technologies demonstrates the practicality and efficiency of electric air travel.
The Chaos ransomware group breached Optima Tax Relief in a double-extortion attack, stealing sensitive customer case files and corporate documents with personal information.
Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future.
The first human brain-computer interface by Paradromics was completed in 20 minutes, featuring microelectrodes to help paralyzed individuals control computers with thoughts.

Important Points of Fiction

Fiction manuscripts receive feedback that addresses and scores:? The theme... Read More

Be Your Own Literary Agent and Get Published

So you're one of 20 million Americans who want to... Read More

Why Every Freelance Writer Needs A Website

What do you mean, you don't have a website yet?... Read More

Why We Dont Write Our Books

In the ten years that I've taught people how to... Read More

Gaining Writing Experience

GAINING WRITING EXPERIENCE Some Catch-22, huh? In... Read More

The Struggle

Sometime one must coax the words out.Each day is a... Read More

Create A Dream Diary

How many times have you forced yourself to sit in... Read More

3 Tips to Achieve Your Writing Goals

1. Make your goals achievable.By achievable, we mean realistic and... Read More

Writing the PDA Way

When we think of writing it triggers many thoughts and... Read More

Why Manners Maketh the Freelance Writer

Lately I've been noticing an odd trend amongst the freelance... Read More

Can Your Theme Be Proved In Your Story?

Creative Writing Tips ?Your theme has to be something you... Read More

A Plan

All writers should use a plan whether written or reflected.... Read More

Publish Your Novel on the First Try

Rejection. This scary word plagues virtually every writer this side... Read More

About Writing

Here's everything I know about improving your writing, publishing it... Read More

Pairs/Groups Of Words Often Confused - Part 1 of 6

ACCEPT, EXCEPT Not commonly seen even from unpublished writers, who... Read More

Make Your Mark Upon Humanity

The greatest gift you have to give to yourself and... Read More

Power Writing 101: Tips and Tricks to Get You Taken Seriously!

In my ten years as an advertiser, I've encountered plenty... Read More

Persisting With Bulldog Determination

Persisting With Bulldog Determination [Book excerpt from Successercising} by Rick... Read More

Aesop, Abraham Lincoln, and You

May I tell you about a writing technique shared by... Read More

Overcoming Writers Block

Do you suffer from writer's block? Is there a pending... Read More

Ferreting Out Work

FERRETING OUT WORK You keep hearing that there's work out... Read More

On Writing and Poetry: Harry Calhoun in Conversation

"This is just brilliant. The whole interview is incredible? I'm?... Read More

Scenes and Structure

Beginning writers often tend to think of a book as... Read More

Proofreading for Profits

How to avoid mistakes that undermine your credibilityYou're probably already... Read More

Check Your English Grammar With This Easy Technique

As an International language, English has been used widely in... Read More

licensed cleaning services Park Ridge ..