Writing is a finicky task. For some, the quirks of pulling letters into words and thoughts into sentences involves searching for the right playlist or maybe an acceptable amount of silence. For others, it’s the right notepad for ideation or desktop app for drafting. Regardless of your intricately designed writing routine, you’ll need the right tools to get started and, most importantly, keep going. The tools needed as a content manager, a Hurrdat role founded in writing and editing, are like roots leading from your fingertips to the ideas locked inside your mind.
Of course — it nearly goes without saying — you know your inner writer better than anyone else *high fives closet writers,* so what you need could be dramatically different from what we need. If you need a gentle push into copy creation, ideating, or anything in between, then follow this list of must-haves.
Creative, Focus Fluids
You are what you consume — that’s kind of what they say, right? Admittedly, that’s rough writing. The best road to written work devoid of clunky clichés is awash in your trusted idea-inspiring beverage. What to drink though? Depends on which part of the writing process you’re parked in. There is an actual science to this. Grab a beer if you’re trying to jumpstart your imagination. A presumably fun crowd of researchers at UIC found that a bit of a buzz can break creative barriers.
Oppositely, if you have an idea and just need roadside assistance to keep you going, then pour a cup of coffee. Caffeine provides an alertness that beer can’t, and it’ll keep you focused on the task at hand.
A Decent Pair of Earbuds
Easy reasoning: to block sounds out or keep sounds in. Compose the perfect playlist before you commit to writing. Otherwise, the day will escape you and you’ll be knee-deep in Spotify. If tunes don’t tantalize the thoughts inside, then thrive in silence. It might be tough to turn off that Florence + The Machine album, but if a captivating voice is holding your ideas captive, then press pause and jam intermittently.
A Long Scroll of Papyrus
Just kidding. But seriously, step away from the keyboard and grab a notebook, preferably a Moleskine. Let your ideas flourish in bad penmanship and scribble marks on paper. Computers, smartphones, tablets, and other gadgets are good for getting the words published. Moleskine notebooks are the crème de la crème, and that sounds biased, but the options are endless. Beyond sizes, there are options for graph, lined, or blank paper, and this could be a critical detail in ideation. Sometimes lined paper can feel limiting. I highly recommend this one that lies flat.
A Thick Layer of Skin
You won’t find this on Amazon (maybe…hopefully). Writing is meant to be read, and if you want your work to be tip-top, then let others read it. Be receptive to suggestions but leery of preferences per person. There’s a fine line between a hard edit and a soft recommendation. It’s good to stand by your writing, but consider why the suggestion was made before tossing it out in favor of your version. After all, you want to appeal to readers, not tell them they’re wrong.
The Right Resources
This is the last tool you’ll need, and its finality is important. The right resources vary per content manager, but it’s safe to say the toolkit includes access to: a dictionary, thesaurus, and an AP Stylebook. Starting with these resources cages up your creative initiative. These are your polishing tools that will create the finishing shine you’re proud to show off to the world. Save the word grooming and antsy self-editing for last.
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Hurrdat is a Lincoln, Neb. digital marketing agency specializing in social media and content marketing. The company was founded in 2010 and merged with B² Interactive of Omaha, Neb. in 2014 bringing even more digital marketing specialties to both firms’ clients. Together they provide a full range of social media, SEO, and website development services to both national brands and local clients. The companies employ more than 75 people in Nebraska and have won multiple awards for their business efforts, company culture, and clients’ campaigns.
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