Non-fiction writing is easier said than done. Regardless of your niche, you’ll have to spend a lot of time on research and then actually get the writing down. In the midst of it all, you might even lose balance.
So first things first, you need to be clear and well-versed on the subject you’re writing about. That should be your beginning point in the world of non-fiction writing. If you choose topics that work for you, you’ll find your writing journey getting easier with time.
So here are 5 tips to help keep your non-fiction writing in check!
1. Write the first draft
Non-fiction work requires a lot of research. So to get the facts right, it’s best to focus first on the content rather than the grammar and sentence structure. Getting done with the first draft also becomes easier when you know your strengths. Which topics or subjects are you good at?
In case you don’t have a lot of information to deal with, simply let all your words flow. No matter how much you concentrate, your first draft isn’t going to be a masterpiece.
2. Focus on clarity rather than vocabulary
Non-fiction can be tough. You might feel tempted to use heavy words now and again to convey information. But instead, you should always focus on clarity.
The idea is simple. Fancy words can make it difficult for your readers to understand your ideas and concepts. Even if you have to describe something, choose common words rather than referring to a thesaurus for complicated synonyms.
3. Don’t force yourself to write
This sounds counterintuitive, right? Without forcing yourself, how can you ever get it all done? But remember, enforced words will never have the same impact that natural ones do.
So don’t worry about leaving a sentence half incomplete. Come back to it when you feel like it and you’ll be fine. This trick works because you’ll have a clearer understanding of the pace of your work. If you try to get everything out at once, it could interfere with the momentum of your work.
4. Keep your daily word count minimum
Writing is very personal, and so is the word count you achieve daily. It might sound like a good idea to write around 1000 or more words every day, but it could be stressful too as well. It may or may not work for you.
With non-fiction, sticking to 200 to 300 words is a much better idea. Embrace your strengths and weaknesses as you’re continuing to write. Go with what you’re comfortable with rather than the norm.
5. Stay true to yourself
You can find non-fiction books in millions on the market. So yes, your idea might not be unique. However, it doesn’t have to be because your writing voice and style would differ from others!
Finding your voice can be pretty easy if you don’t fall into the spiral of overthinking. The trick is that you don’t let your self-doubts overtake you. Instead, if any negative thought comes up, turn it into a writing prompt.
See if your fleeting pessimism can inspire you to write a new perspective. Remember that non-fiction may be made up of facts, but it’s your thoughts and perspectives that bring it to life!
Conclusion
All in all, writing can be hard. Don’t beat yourself up if you think you’re lost or not giving your best shot. When you start writing, focus on what you’re saying and how you’re saying it rather than on the editing. Remember that getting things done is more important than perfectionism.
Every writer needs support from time to time. So let us assure you that we’ve got your back! At My Pink Stilettos, we are a group of highly empowered and encouraging writers that celebrates people for who they are. All are welcome here, so come and join us to bring out your true self!
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