21 ways to keep your writing sharp

Every writer has days when he or she sits down to write and the words just don’t flow. You write one sentence and check how many words you added in the hope it will miraculously be sufficient.

The problem writers have is when their hearts aren’t in the writing, it shows. (Here’s how to overcome your writing demons.)

To help you get your writing on track, here are 21 tips to prevent you from getting what I affectionately call blank-screen syndrome:

1. Create a list of articles you want to write but don’t have time. It’s easy to get inspired to write about other topics when the pressure’s on to write about something else. There’s nothing like a deadline to make anything else seem exciting.

2. Feed your mind. Read a book, blogs or news sites to get ideas. This isn’t an excuse to get a snack or other indulgence.