How to be a More Productive Writer
The internet is an expansive space filled with countless activities. There are viral videos to watch, live broadcasts to follow, in-depth explorations in online encyclopedias and scholarly articles, games to enjoy with friends, and endless scrolling through social media feeds.
These diversions are accessible to everyone who has a reliable internet connection, which unfortunately includes writers who may be trying to maintain their productivity.
It may not be feasible for most to completely sidestep the internet for the sake of focus. However, there are strategies you can implement to make your screen time more beneficial. Rather than concentrating on the negatives, consider curating your tabs and bookmark folders with valuable resources that will be readily available when you open your browser.
The web is brimming with such resources, and once you allocate time to minimize distractions and mute your notifications, we have gathered a list of excellent websites, communities, and tools to save, with the hope that they become part of your regular habits.
1. Engage with Reddit Writing Communities
As one of the most popular websites globally, there’s a strong possibility you’re already utilizing Reddit. This platform allows you to tailor your homepage and notification settings, enabling control over the content you view and receive.
Think about following subreddits like /r/writing/, /r/DestructiveReaders/, and /r/WritingPrompts/. These communities foster various forms of writing; the latter two also serve as spaces for critiques.
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2. Join Facebook and Discord Writing Critique Groups
Social media can be a productive tool; even though some platforms such as Instagram and Snapchat focus on visual content and lack long-form communication features, Facebook remains a viable option. You might find groups dedicated to numerous interests, one being “Writing, Prompts & Critiques.
” With more than 500 posts each month, this group is a lively forum for enhancing your writing through real-time engagement with members. Likewise, Discord hosts numerous communities labeled under “Writing,” including “No Sleep ‘Til Bookdun,” an energetic group committed to pursuing their book projects.
3. Watch and Listen to Renowned Authors Share Their Processes
By searching for your favorite authors on YouTube while signed in, you can influence the algorithm to provide you with more inspiring content. After viewing a valuable video, don’t forget to like it or subscribe to the channel that produced it. For example, you might find that Stephen King has delivered talks to both students and professionals at various conferences, or that the entire writing course by Brandon Sanderson at Brigham Young University is available online for free.
Many people discover these insights through their YouTube recommendations. Gaining knowledge from award-winning and celebrated authors can provide the inspiration you need to sharpen your writing skills and produce captivating content.
If you are open to dedicating additional resources to video courses, MasterClass presents exclusive sessions conducted by acclaimed authors. Additionally, you will gain access to educational content spanning a vast range of subjects that could aid in your personal development.
4. Use the Free Courses Available
Beyond YouTube, there are numerous complimentary courses that focus on various writing genres. Two prominent platforms, Udemy and Coursera, collaborate with universities globally. If you seek to enhance your skills in storytelling or romantic writing while engaging with peers, these platforms serve as fantastic options. Courses are structured similarly to college classes, featuring outlines, video lectures, and modules, with some providing the chance for assignment review through a paid certification track.
Generally, classes can be taken without charge if certification isn’t necessary. Khan Academy also hosts a well-regarded writing course created in collaboration with Pixar, aimed at helping aspiring authors hone their storytelling abilities. One advantage of using Khan Academy is the absence of irrelevant content and advertisements that can distract users on other platforms.
5. Get Involved in Discussions!
If enrolling in a full course seems overwhelming, consider exploring online forums that align with your interests. Websites like Quora allow easy participation and give you the chance to enhance your writing skills through interactive discussions with like-minded individuals.
Have a strong opinion on the best power forwards in basketball? Use your research and persuasive skills to craft engaging and succinct posts on Quora. Moreover, you might also consider contributing to Twitter threads, where the character limitations can encourage you to practice concise writing.
Constructive criticism is essential for both novice and seasoned writers. Fortunately, typical online distractions can be repurposed for more productive outcomes. By starting with this list, you can tailor your notifications and algorithmic recommendations to bolster your writing journey! For additional writing guidance, explore Writing Tips for People Who Hate Writing.
Conclusion:
In today’s world of perpetual connectivity, it is common for writers to become distracted by the vast array of information accessible on the internet. Nonetheless, by adopting a deliberate mindset, the online space can turn into a valuable companion in your writing endeavors.
By participating in writing groups, delving into complimentary educational opportunities, and immersing yourself in material that nurtures your development, you can tap into the internet’s possibilities to enhance your skills. Therefore, seize command of your digital interactions, polish your writing practices, and transform the internet into a tool that aids rather than hinders.
