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An Overlord’s 7 Tips on Successful Writing

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Here are a few Overlord's suggestions for successful writing have stuck with me for the last 10 years. Determining what successful writing is can be somewhat like beauty being in the eye of the beholder. For me a successful writing piece is one that accurately gets my point across to the reader in a creative, engaging manner within the deadline it was needed. Nothing more… nothing less. With no further ado let's jump into these tips:

Tip #1: Surroundings

Not sure if this is just because I am a guy, but I am a monotasker to the max! One thing at a time. So I have to make sure that when I write I eliminate all distractions. Coffee shops are not necessarily optimal. "Let's be real, people watching is just totally too awesome!" And the bad grammar from those tweens at the table next to you is just too much to bear.



source: leadertank

Tip #2: No Distractions

Turn your phone on silent, then go into your phone's settings and turn off the vibrate setting. Phones are the devil for a writer. Don't write near a window (I'm breaking that rule right now). Turn all other notifications (i.e. email, chat, Facebook, Twitter, EVERYTHING!) off on your computer and phone. Open a new window with only the information you need in the visible tabs. The "distraction free" mode on Wordpress can be a great tool to keep everything clean and neat as you write. It creates a great canvas for you and your words to carry on an uninterrupted conversation.

Tip #3: Watch Your Eyes

For those who are visually impaired you can relate to the burn and strain that contacts can have on your eye balls after a long concentrated stare. Be sure to take your contacts out, put on those awesomely hilarious thick huge glasses and get your write on. Every so often get up, stretch, rub your eyes and give your body a break.

Tip #4: Music to My Ears

Literally. I have to listen to music while I write. Jamming out to some rhythmic beats with no vocals or lyrics is how I am able to keep motivation and the creative juices flowing. Keep on task, do not let it become a distraction, and select music that will help you get into a comfortable groove with your writing.

Tip #5: Back Support

The more I am rigorously working away the closer my face will get to my computer screen and slowly my 6'4" frame will begin to arch into small hunched heap. Then finally I will realize how bad my posture is, and I will reward my back with a warm stretch. Keep breathing, and sit up straight so the blood will transport the oxygen to the whole body. Thoughts will be clearer and the task of writing will not be as challenging.

Maybe try a standup desk if you find yourself having a lot of problems with back issues.

Tip #6: Munchies

I love to eat. Munchies help keep me alert, gives my mouth something to do. It helps me loosen up my jaw from the intense clenched position that it usually finds itself in while I am in the zone. Plus munchies make writing a lot more fun. What are some of your favorite writing munchies? I am always open to new suggestions, so please let me know in the comments below.

Tip #7: Temperature

Keeping the writing area at an optimal temperature is crucial for productive writing. Cornell University gave a study that submitted 77° Fahrenheit (25° Celsius) is the most favorable temperature for productivity. I say, whatever you feel is the best climate for you to work in should be chosen.

 source: TeachThought

I hope that these tips have been helpful for you. These have assisted me on many a writing project. If there any tips that have helped you please do not hesitate to suggest them in the comments. I am always looking for new ways to increase my productivity as a worker/writer.

Bonus: Top Ten Writing Tips From Mark Twain

To give this article a little more klout I thought I would add the top ten tips from a true literary genius, Mark Twain. These are his words, not mine. Take them or leave them, but either way enjoy!

Top Ten Writing Tips from Mark Twain

  • Get your facts first, and then you can distort them as much as you please.
  • Use the right word, not its second cousin.
  • As to the Adjective: when in doubt, strike it out.
  • You need not expect to get your book right the first time. Go to work and revamp or rewrite it. God only exhibits his thunder and lightning at intervals, and so they always command attention. These are God's adjectives. You thunder and lightning too much; the reader ceases to get under the bed, by and by.
  • Substitute damn every time you're inclined to write very; your editor will delete it and the writing will be just as it should be.
  • Use good grammar.
  • ...Sentiment is for girls. . . . There is one thing I can't stand and won't stand, from many people. That is, sham sentimentality.
  • Use plain, simple language, short words and brief sentences. That is the way to write English--it is the modern way and the best way. Stick to it; don't let fluff and flowers and verbosity creep in.
  • The time to begin writing an article is when you have finished it to your satisfaction. By that time you begin to clearly and logically perceive what it is that you really want to say.
  • Write without pay until somebody offers pay. If nobody offers within three years, the candidate may look upon this circumstance with the most implicit confidence as the sign that sawing wood is what he was intended for.

Sources:
1. Quoted by Rudyard Kipling in From Sea to Sea (1899) 2. "Fenimore Cooper's Literary Offences" (1895) 3.Pudd'nhead Wilson (1894) 4. Letter to Orion Clemens (March 1878) 5. source unknown 6. "Fenimore Cooper's Literary Offences" (1895) 7. Letter to Will Bowen (1876) 8. Letter to D. W. Bowser (March 1880) 9. Mark Twain's Notebook: 1902-1903 10. "Mark Twain's General Reply"

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