writing

How To Write Easier and Faster

I suggested in my previous post, that what you write is an extremely important part of your blog.  And it is.  But learning how to write is also going to help you in many ways.  Yes, I’m talking about the words you use and how you structure a sentence.  But I’m also talking about the tools you use to help you write faster.  It takes time to build your writing skills up.  Unless you’re a seasoned writer, you won’t be able to write “well” right out the gate.  Your posts may be too long, or too short.  They might sound like you’re talking to your audience.  Whatever the case, there are ways that you can improve your writing skills.  And we are here to tell you about the tools to help

google docs

Google Docs

Google Docs might be one of the best writing tools out there.  It lives in the cloud so you will have access to it where ever you go.  Some bloggers will go straight to the writing editor in their blog.  But you could also consider starting your writing in Google Docs. Especially if you’re collaborating with others.  Not only that, but Google Docs has built-in spelling and grammar tools that may help you out in other ways.

countdown timer

Egg Timer

I have heard that some writers will sit down for a set amount of time per day, and just write.  While I am a fairly vigilant writer, I am not one to time myself.  Each post needs to be given the right amount of time and attention.  I personally don’t think you can limit your blog post to a specific amount of time.  That being said, there are people who disagree with me, and who work well in this kind of environment.  If that’s you, you might want to try Egg Timer.  It’s a super simple timer.   Simply tell Egg Timer how long you want to work for, and Egg Timer will count down the time.  For example, you can set the timer for 15 minutes of research and 40 minutes of writing etc.  When the time is up, a popup will appear and the timer will sound.

toggl

Toggl

Toggl is one of the most straightforward and fun time tracking tools you’ll find. Toggl lets you add a task, push the Start/Stop button, and then check back in to see a full dashboard of stats on how you spend your time.  This tool could be really useful for bloggers who want to focus on the time they spend writing, researching and editing.  Toggl is a lot like Egg Timer in a way.

readability

Hemingway

Hemingway is a really interesting (and free) tool.  It analyzes your text from a readability perspective.  It highlights sentences that are a bit too complex or dense.  The readability of your post will be provided to you based on a grade level.  While I won’t get into a readability lecture or lesson, the lower the grade level, the easier it is for people to read.

grammarly

Grammarly

Grammarly might be my new favorite tool.  Why?  Becuase it catches a lot of the spelling and grammar mistakes that I make.  You can download the Grammarly app and use that to write your post.  Alternatively, you can add the Chrome Extension, and use it alongside your blogging software.  Grammarly is free to use, but if you want to upgrade, you will get a whole host of other features.  This has improved my writing in a tremendous way. I assure you it will do the same for yours.

wordpress

WordPress Distraction Free Writing

This tool is actually found right in the WordPress editor.  To access the Distraction-Free editor, simply click on the four-way arrow icon in the top right corner of any WordPress post you’re working on. What happens next?  Well, all the side navigation menus and options disappear.  Letting you only see the post itself.  I have gotten used to all those distractions and they no longer bother me.  But if your concentration is off (which mine is at times), then this is a great tool to help.

desk

Desk

Desk is an app that is currently only available on Mac.  But it will allow you to write straight from your desktop in a clear and uncluttered editor.  From there, it connects directly to WordPress, Blogger, Tumblr, Facebook and a ton of other online publishing sites.