Writer's block is a real thing. Some days I'm fortunate enough to think of something to write about that I'm proud of but other times I get stuck and can't think of what to write for weeks. It takes a lot of hard work to write stories and I'm thankful for the writing prompts that the internet has to encourage my writing with lots of topics (like here, here, and here) but sometimes it's just not enough, so I've learned the technique of finding angles-- a fresh take on a story already written from a new perspective.
Ever since I found the helpful suggestion of another writer about how to find fresh angles, I've been coming up with headlines almost every day. Here is how I go through my brainstorming process to write new stories.
As I've read the article that teaches readers how to write fresh angles, I like to think about what interests me to map out what I enjoy. Because if I like what I'm researching then I'm going to like to write about it and my readers will enjoy reading it.
Then I try to step into an audience's shoes and write a headline that I would write to add value to them. The truth is, I write down a lot of headlines before I come up with some that I would actually write about.
When I finally choose something to write, I write the first draft and copy edit my paper the first try to make sure I don't have to go over too much the second time around. Then, I would pass it through Grammarly and read it out loud a last time to make sure it doesn't sound awkward.
I'll choose a publication I want to send it to if I write on Medium and wait for the editor to get back to me on it.
Once it's finally been accepted, I'll admire what I've written for a few days before I move on to the next topic being thankful for the opportunity to be published on a publication.
I've been posting on Medium once or twice a week for the past couple of months. I feel that gives me more time to brainstorm and research information for topics so I can actually spend time doing what I like to do, which is writing. I also break up my time doing other things like photography, music, schoolwork, and part-time work. I have a busy schedule so I like to take out chunks out of my day to catch up on writing because it's a good distraction.
Sometimes, I write more than twice a week because I'll get a brilliant idea in the middle of lunchtime or in the middle of the night. I'll save my drafts on the cloud or in Medium's queue so I have stories scheduled for the usual times I would hit publish. This lets me work ahead and prioritize other life tasks.
After I post, I leave my desktop open and check my emails the next day. It's really fun to see the responses I get from the community on Medium because people really love to read relatable stories that inspire them to be better. It makes me happy to be a part of someone's healing process through my stories even if it only impacts one reader's life. It makes me happy.
At this point, I'm ready to start over and the process for writing another story begins again. In my downtime, I'll sit and read stories from other writers on Medium and draw inspiration from them. I really hope you enjoyed reading about my writing process. If you're a writer, does it sound similar to what you do? If you're not a writer maybe you think I'm crazy for pursuing this *hobby" but it's just something that makes me happy and I'm all for sharing the journey with you the reader.
This is the place where you get exclusive insite to my journey as a creative and I hope you liked it.
As always here are a few of my latest stories here, here, and here. Consider supporting my writing by becoming a Medium member here. You will get unlimited access to thousands of great writers and stories for $5 a month and I will earn a small commission from your fee at no extra cost to you. Subscribe to my medium account for more stories. Thanks again for reading
I appreciate you,
Rosa de Sarón C