Is writing something you dread? You’re not alone. Many people find the process frustrating, intimidating, or downright stressful. Before dismissing writing altogether, consider the opportunities blogging offers for personal growth, creativity, and professional success. With a few powerful blogging tips for the nonwriter, you might be surprised at how enjoyable writing can become, even for nonwriters.
I’ve loved writing since I learned the alphabet, but I understand it isn’t for everyone. I wouldn’t say I like making videos, but others have built brands based solely on video content. I don’t understand math, but my friends and family love numbers; they can even do math in their heads. I, on the other hand, can write a blog post in my head. We all have our strengths!
In this article, we write about powerful blogging tips for the nonwriter. Let’s start with WHY you don’t like writing.
Understanding the Reasons Behind Your Hate for Writing
Disliking writing often stems from specific fears and challenges. I remember being judged for writing an essay instead of making a posterboard project from magazine images. That was long ago, but those experiences can last well into our professional lives.
Fear of Judgment
Are you worried about how others might perceive your writing? The fear of criticism can keep you from even starting. The truth is, everyone faces criticism at some point, but it’s not always negative. Constructive feedback can help you grow and improve. Want reassurance? Check out this Medium article on overcoming self-criticism in writing.
Perfectionism
Trying to create something flawless on the first try is exhausting. Perfectionism can paralyze your creativity. Remember, your first draft doesn’t need to be perfect—it just needs to exist. Focusing on progress over perfection makes the entire process manageable. As a recovering perfectionist, this is probably the most challenging part of writing for me.
I self-edit as I write. I write, then do something else, and come back to edit. With more experience, I’ve learned the power of waiting to hit publish. I can add and edit one last time before hitting publish, and I don’t see my mistakes on the screen. I can fix errors before serving a piece to the world.
Lack of Confidence
Does self-doubt make you feel like anything you write isn’t worth reading? Confidence grows with practice. Start small by setting manageable goals and reminding yourself that even seasoned writers once struggled.
- Set time to write.
- Be intentional about what you write.
- Write a private journal entry.
- Then, write the piece to be published.
Once you’ve written a journal entry, you can cross “write today” off your list. This frees your mind to continue with the next writing exercise. You’ve already written today, so anything else is bonus writing!
Embracing the Writing Process with Powerful Blogging Tips for the Nonwriter
Every writer has a different approach to their writing process. My powerful blogging tips include setting realistic goals and creating systems that work for YOU.
- Write when you feel inspired. I like to write in the morning with a cup of coffee nearby. Every so often I am inspired to write in the late afternoon so I lean into that when I feel it.
- Create a plan. I use a Google Sheet to track topics, keywords, and research.
- Start an article. You don’t have to finish in one sitting. This is the most significant change I’ve made over the years, and am more productive as a result. I might outline and write part of the article one day and come back to it later to finish writing and edit.
Set Realistic Goals
Don’t overwhelm yourself by aiming to write a perfect novel overnight. Instead, set small, achievable goals. For example, commit to writing 300 words daily or publishing one blog post per week. Goals like these build momentum over time.
Part of my closing routine is to decide what I want to work on the following day. I set my intention, visualize getting it done, and literally sleep on it. The days when I follow this formula are among the most productive. It feels good to check off the to dos!
Create an Outline
I don’t always create an outline, but when I do, I can more easily research and write. Drafting an outline helps me put the piece together with less effort. Check out Ahrefs’ blogging guide for more tips; it’s where I got my idea for 100 blog posts. This is one of them.
Practice Freewriting
Still stuck? Grab a notebook or open a blank document and start freewriting. Write whatever comes to mind without worrying about grammar or structure. This technique unlocks creativity and can help ease writer’s block. I also draw or color for a few minutes to get my mind into a creative space. Find what works for you and do that. Change your routine if you’re finding freewriting isn’t working for you.
Finding Your Unique Voice as a Blogger
Writing becomes much more enjoyable when you bring your authentic self to the process. Developing a unique voice helps you genuinely connect with your audience.
Explore Different Writing Styles
Experiment with various tones, structures, and formats to see what fits your personality. You might find casual storytelling more fulfilling than writing with a formal tone. Trying out new styles keeps blogging fresh while teaching you valuable skills.
Incorporate Personal Experiences
Readers connect with stories. Think about a time when you overcame a problem or learned something meaningful. Sharing these real-life details makes your content relatable and genuine. Personal experiences also deepen your connection to your writing, making it a more fulfilling effort.
Leveraging Resources to Enhance Your Writing Skills
Sometimes, the right resources make all the difference. Take advantage of tools and platforms designed to elevate your writing game. I’ve been using RightBlogger (referral link) to organize and research topics to write. It has been a game changer in eliminating questions and allowing me to get to writing with limited research time. I highly recommend this tool. The link listed here is a referral link, so I may make money when you click and make a purchase.
Utilize Online Courses and Workshops
There is a lot of noise in this space of courses and workshops. Self-guided classes do not work because I get distracted too easily. They might work for you! You’ve also got to know what type of writing you intend to write, so you don’t sign up for a blogger workshop when you want a memoir writing class. Check your local library for writing workshops. I attend a weekly workshop online where we are given prompts, writing time, share with others, and receive feedback. It has been helpful for me to get the creative juices flowing.
Join Writing Communities
Writing doesn’t have to be a solo journey. Find groups for writers. Engaging with these groups improves your skills while fostering connections with like-minded individuals. I found a writing friend through a local in-person workshop. We love writing, dogs, and beer, so we take our dogs to breweries and enjoy writing sessions!
Read Widely and Often
The more you read, the better you write. Reading introduces you to new ideas, styles, and vocabulary. Explore blogs, novels, and industry articles to challenge your creativity and broaden your perspective. This habit also enhances your ability to write engaging content for your blog or audience.
Local libraries, writing groups, social media groups for readers, and neighborhood groups may have book clubs. Joining a club jump-started my love of reading (again). Now, I always have a book nearby.
Conclusion
Writing doesn’t have to be something you hate. You can transform your relationship with the craft by addressing the root causes of your dislike and embracing simple yet powerful blogging tips. Focus on small, manageable goals, experiment with new styles, and use the available tools and resources. Whether blogging for personal growth or professional success, this journey can be rewarding and enjoyable. Go at your own pace and find what works for YOU!
Happy writing!
