How do you balance writing and editing projects?

The first thing that one should always follow is to research the topic and make an outline thoroughly. Then comes the question of the solution that has to be put at the top because that's the primary focus of the readers and their attention at it. And the rest comes the other questions.

The first step is to clearly define your objectives. This involves understanding the purpose of your project and identifying your target audience. By having a clear understanding of your goals, you can guide the planning process and create a focused piece. Next, it is essential to invest time in research and data gathering. Utilizing tools such as industry reports, or social media can provide valuable insights that will shape the content of your project. Once you have established your objectives and conducted thorough research, it is crucial to create an outline or structural blueprint. This serves as a roadmap for your writing, ensuring that you cover all the essential points and maintain a logical flow.

Which is why I write in pencil on paper. Typing into the laptop comes with autocorrects, the annoying little red underlinings, and the ease of backspacing. A written manuscript just grows and I don't see the errors ...

This is why I absolutely love the rough draft version of a free writing exercise. This is important step because this is how you define a strategy on organizing your thoughts and info, finding the voice + tone of your piece and ensuring your readers will have a clear and cohesive understanding of your point of view.

I could not agree more. Sometimes I read a book, and would think to myself "Hmm, this was in dire need of an editor." This applies only to Arabic books, as we are still lacking in the "editing" notion for Arab writers and publishing houses. We are still stuck in the "fixing errors" era.

Writer's block or creative burnout is a real thing and this is why it's so important to prioritize a break or two. The best way to prevent this from happening is making sure you build in breaks during your creation process. This could look like blocking out time on your calendar to do non-stop writing, and then taking a break to move your body, grab a bite to eat or hydrate for a few minutes. I also find a complete change of scenery can help too. I recently read somewhere that taking a 30 min walk everyday (if you can) can also help counter creative burnout. I also enjoy meditating or listening to lo-fi music to help reset my energy and focus.

I write multiple projects that serialize weekly, meaning that at some points there’s multiple days a week where thousands are reading my writing that I only have a few hours to “perfect.” To maximize efficiency while writing, I will write a draft completely in flow. No stopping, just get the writing down based on an outline I’d created. Take a break… let the work sync in. Come back with fresh eyes & edit. That break is really important. If you don’t come in with fresh eyes, there’s something about the editorial process that isn’t as efficient. Might be that you’re tired. Might be that you’re in that writing mood, not editing mood. Might be that there’s some recency bias. Either way, taking a break and switching writing/editing is key!

Harnessing the collective wisdom of peers is a game-changer. Here are actionable tips: 1. Join Networks: Connect in online forums like LinkedIn's Writing and Editing Communities. These spaces foster a supportive environment for shared insights and constructive feedback. 2. Peer Reviews Matter: Engage in reciprocal editing partnerships. 3. Virtual Workshops: Explore workshops on platforms like Meetup. Real-time interaction allows for immediate feedback and exposure to different writing styles. 4. Peer Editing Groups: Form committed groups with shared goals. Regular interaction cultivates accountability and accelerates skill development. You got this!

I balance writing and editing projects by prioritizing tasks and setting clear deadlines. Trust me, it's essential to allocate specific time for both writing and editing to ensure that neither process is rushed or neglected. I feel that using tools like project management software or even simple scheduling can aid in keeping track of progress. I must say, a combination of discipline, organization, and regular communication with any collaborating parties ensures a smooth flow between writing and editing, leading to successful completion of projects.