18 Comments
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BioRat's avatar

Absolutely beautiful! My problem has always been writers block and even having an idea and not knowing how to convey it in writing. A.i has definitely helps me get out of the rut.

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James Presbitero's avatar

Thank you for reading! Writer's block is a pest, but it's easily overcome with the fight tools, skills, and mindset. AI definitely helps, it's one of the biggest uses for it in my opinion.

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Barry J McDonald's avatar

I'd have to agree with you on routines and outlines. The first thing I do when I get out of bed is write, along with my morning coffee.

As for outlines, I find that even though I mightn't follow them, the fact that they're there takes the pressure off me. - I think looking at a blank page is the worst place to start writing from.

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James Presbitero's avatar

Oh yeah, same. Having templated outlines makes you feel like you're following a well-used road rather than venturing out on your own. Even if in the end you might not follow it anyway, it's comforting to know it's there -- and that you can go back to it if need be.

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David Szabo-Stuban's avatar

Writing helps me think better, clearer. If I'm already in a good headspace when I sit down to write I get in the zone quickly. If I'm not, Indon't sit down to write.

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James Presbitero's avatar

Interesting. Is it the same as being inspired? Would you say you're more of an inspiration driven person?

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Esther's avatar

Great advices! Thank you for this insightful newsletter, James✨

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James Presbitero's avatar

Thanks for reading! 🤩

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Kyle Shepard's avatar

Systematizing most of my regular processes has been a game changer for me. Great points and justifications brother

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James Presbitero's avatar

Thank you! Appreciate it. Am very interested to know what sort of systems you've created for your awesome writing.

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Kyle Shepard's avatar

Working on a productivity post now but I work on a variety of things at one time. Kind of go where my mind does whenever I have the uninterrupted pockets of time to get after it.

We should chat sometime. Could be a fun collaboration to discuss.

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James Presbitero's avatar

Oh, I would definitely love that! Will send you a DM. Looking forward to your productivity post, love those kinds of things.

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Kyle Shepard's avatar

👊🏻

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@mindset&mythos's avatar

Great article. It emphasizes the habit, which is the foundation.

The habit can be supported with a number of tools. One I don't use much that is very useful is the Voice to Text app, in which you can speak ideas and sentences and it turns them into text you can cut and paste in Google Docs, email, and other writing tools. Is frustrating when you have a great idea and it flutters away because you didn't write it down.

Seth Godin has spoken about similar tactics you outlined here that he applied in writing a blog post daily for nearly 20 years. In essence building the habit and doing it, even if it wasn't good, till his brain got the message that he was going to write daily, and his message improved.

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James Presbitero's avatar

I've also tried using voice notes! Never quite stuck with me I'm afraid. But sometimes, when I find it especially difficult to write, I use voice to text to make it easier.

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@mindset&mythos's avatar

For me the voice to text app is for catching ideas that come to me.

I am now using AI for teasing and building on an idea.

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James Presbitero's avatar

Yeah that's a great use of it! Very interested to know exactly how you do this. Maybe you can write about it and I can feature you on Write10x? :D

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@mindset&mythos's avatar

Yeah I like this idea. Let's coordinate how to it as written pieces or audio.

I'll message you so we can work out how.

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