Here’s a question that recently rolled in…
“Ben, how do you do it? How do you write an email every day plus your other copywriting duties and projects? Do you wait for inspiration or do you just write?”
Pretty dang good question.
It’s true I write an email most every weekday (and sometimes on the weekends), have a TON of writing going on in another info-publishing business I partner in, got my own projects (like the ad for the Crackerjack Selling CD Club I’m writing now), plus a freelance gig usually going on the side and numerous other little projects nipping for my attention.
How do I do it?
Is it because I’m some kind of super writer?
Am I just easily inspired?
Do I spend all day writing, Writing, WRITING?
Nope, nope and nope.
As I’ve said before, I actually hate writing (although I find it extremely therapeutic). And compared to some copywriters, I’m a lazy sloth oozing all over the couch each day watching soap operas and talk shows.
But, I do have a “trump card” that helps me take care of business.
A secret that makes writing easy and (GASP!) even fun.
Want to know what it is?
OK, here goes:
I give myself permission NOT to write.
Sounds strange, doesn’t it?
But it’s true — I put ZERO pressure on myself.
I have a goal (i.e. write a daily email tip, write this ad, work on this book, etc) but I never force myself to do it.
Nor do I rely on willpower or wait to be inspired.
(If I did, I’d never get anything done.)
Instead, I simply look at what I want to get done, give myself complete permission to NOT do it and — booyah! — the words (usually) flow as easily and effortlessly as lies from a politician’s lips.
It’s all about removing the pressure, baby.
I also have a few other “tricks”, too.
Like the one found in chapter 2 of The Copywriting Grab Bag involving the Bible, The National Enquirer and my bathroom.
Anyway, hope that helps.
Until next time, keep writing…
Ben Settle
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