Maria: Slap It Down!

It may sound vulgar, but that’s what my editor told me to do when it comes to my writing—slap it down. Don’t think. Don’t edit. Don’t hesitate. Just slap it down. This new style or approach to my writing made a huge difference. Now I write whatever comes to my head. I don’t write articles based on my notes anymore. I write my articles based on the information from my interviews that goes through the filter of my brain. Try it. The next time you have an assignment, just write down as much as you know.
The other pointer I’ve learned—create an outline. How simple is that?! Well, it took me almost 22 years to realize that’s what people do to get a streamlined, focused story… Looks like I have some work to do in the writing department, but I know that with these new approaches, I will become a stronger writer. Hopefully.