I migrate to articles that I feel might be important to read because:
While all the reasons contribute making me a better and more informed writer, it is number 4 I want to comment on.
Usually when I'm researching or reading, I'm not also writing. So when I come across what I call "fodder" (material that is used for a particular purpose), I will cut and paste it and save it into a Word document. Usually the url is included for further reference.
I might save a bunch of clippings together on one document, or I might save fodder on separate pages under separate file names. I put them in a file called "Fodder". I don't always title the file because using the first line as the file name usually works for me.
INSPIRATION
When I'm looking for something to write on, I'll often skim through my fodder folder, visually scan a file to see if it's a topic I "feel" like writing on. If it isn't, I leave it for another time.
If I choose to write on it, it usually doesn't take me more than a few sentences in to start seeing a new viewpoint I can put on the subject. I try to rite a fresh angle. In other words, I am not a "spinner". I may be a sinner, but I'm not a spinner.
RESAVING
The finished article is then saved in my "Rough Drafts" folder under the new file name I give it. The fodder file is closed and probably should be removed at that point, but usually I just leave it.
When my article is ready for submission, after a few edits, I resave it in a "Submitted Writing" folder. It is really helpful if I add a note to myself on the file confirming it indeed has been submitted.
You might have software that helps you do this more efficiently. If so, good for you. Why not leave your comments below so I can learn from you. For now, this is what works for me.
- They will help my personal growth.
- They will teach me something new.
- They will keep me current.
- They will be fodder for my own writing.
- They might be something I can share for my own content marketing.
While all the reasons contribute making me a better and more informed writer, it is number 4 I want to comment on.
Usually when I'm researching or reading, I'm not also writing. So when I come across what I call "fodder" (material that is used for a particular purpose), I will cut and paste it and save it into a Word document. Usually the url is included for further reference.
I might save a bunch of clippings together on one document, or I might save fodder on separate pages under separate file names. I put them in a file called "Fodder". I don't always title the file because using the first line as the file name usually works for me.
INSPIRATION
When I'm looking for something to write on, I'll often skim through my fodder folder, visually scan a file to see if it's a topic I "feel" like writing on. If it isn't, I leave it for another time.
If I choose to write on it, it usually doesn't take me more than a few sentences in to start seeing a new viewpoint I can put on the subject. I try to rite a fresh angle. In other words, I am not a "spinner". I may be a sinner, but I'm not a spinner.
RESAVING
The finished article is then saved in my "Rough Drafts" folder under the new file name I give it. The fodder file is closed and probably should be removed at that point, but usually I just leave it.
When my article is ready for submission, after a few edits, I resave it in a "Submitted Writing" folder. It is really helpful if I add a note to myself on the file confirming it indeed has been submitted.
You might have software that helps you do this more efficiently. If so, good for you. Why not leave your comments below so I can learn from you. For now, this is what works for me.
