Just like you, I struggle with writer’s block. Not so much for client newsletters (which tend to flow pretty easily for me), but with Newsletters in Focus, some days creating the issue is as hard as convincing Izzy not to chase squirrels when he’s on the leash.

In fact, today is one such day. So, I decided that I’d share with you a method I’ve found that works like a charm for moving me through writers block and into a great issue: writing rituals.

What’s involved with a writing rituals?

For me, I start off by setting everything up just so. I give Izzy a Kong™ stuffed with peanut butter, make a cup of tea, put on some music, and open up the newsletter file.

And I do these same steps, every single time. It’s a way of shifting my thinking from client work (or whatever I was working on) into Newsletters in Focus mode.

Setting up your own ritual doesn’t need to be complicated. And it doesn’t need to be even as long as mine. Perhaps you just have two steps–closing your office door, and grabbing a pad of paper.

Why you need a writing ritual

Writing your newsletter is likely very unlike anything else you do during your day. Even if you’re a copywriter, chances are you spend most of your time writing in someone else’s voice. The shift into writing in your own voice necessitates a shift in thinking.

Such a shift is eased with a ritual.

If the regular parts of your job are more removed from writing–say accounting or managing people–it’s even more important that you give your brain an obvious beginning point for the new task. This helps you close out all the thoughts related to your other work, and really focus in on the newsletter.

How many rituals do you need?

I recommend having at least two–one ritual you go through before you start working on your newsletter, and one ritual to wrap up the newsletter. The second ritual should be a treat for all your hard work–something to look forward to.

For me, my treat is leaving early. That’s right. When I’ve finished creating Newsletters in Focus and I’ve sent the files to my assistant for delivery, Izzy and I head to the beach.

Your treat will make the writing process more enjoyable. Plus, it keeps you efficient. Without a reward on the other end, writing Newsletters in Focus could easily take me all day. Because I know what’s waiting for me, though, I get it done as efficiently as possible.

Establishing your rituals

What’s right for you will depend on your needs and your likes. (And your boss :-).)

Maybe you can’t head out of the office in the middle of the day, but perhaps you could take a longer lunch break. The key is to find a reward that’s meaningful to you–something you’ll look forward to.

Once you’ve decided on your beginning and ending newsletter rituals, write them down. It’ll likely take you several times before you’re completing the ritual automatically, so this way you won’t miss a step in the meantime.

Practice makes perfect

The key to making your ritual stick is doing it every time you write a newsletter. Even if you feel pressed for time.

(In fact, you’ll find your rituals help you create the newsletter more smoothly and more efficiently, so especially complete the rituals when you’re rushed.)

Why not take a few extra minutes to create your own writing rituals–they’ll definitely pay off the next time you sit down to write your newsletter.