When you’re frustrated with a project, or you can’t quite think of what to do next, schedule some “play” time. Play allows you to be creative and free–whether it’s playing with kids, playing a game, playing with art supplies, etc.–to recharge your creativity. Play is especially important if you’re doing editing work; flipping out of “editor” mode for an hour or two will give you the chance to “reboot” so when you do get back into it, you can “see” the big picture a lot better. The trick, of course, is to play, relax, recharge, and then motivate yourself quickly to get back to the task at hand. Too much play will work against you; not enough will burn you out.
Freelance Writing Tip #6: Read Other Authors Carefully
One of the best ways to hone your own writing is to read other authors you admire. If you know that you need to improve your pacing, read short fiction anthologies like the Book of Final Flesh or Voices from the Web 2006. Dialogue? Read screenplays like Gladiator Screenplay, plays like A Streetcar Named Desire or comic books like Marvel’s Civil War. If you’re interested in technical writing or business writing, read free annual reports for companies listed on Nasdaq, computer program instructions from Microsoft or Open Office, or even appliance booklets. By analyzing other writer’s works, you can infuse your writing with great techniques and stretch your writing muscles.