How Do You Maintain Originality in Writing?
Navigating the creative labyrinth to maintain originality in writing can be daunting, so we've gathered insights from top industry leaders. From personalizing your writing to sharing unique experiences, here are four strategies provided by founders and CEOs on tackling the challenges of originality in your writing.
- Personalize Your Writing
- Expand Sources of Inspiration
- Combine Classic and Innovative Ideas
- Share Unique Experiences
Personalize Your Writing
Originality isn't as challenging as others make it sound. Each person is unique and has something special to offer. That's the key to maintaining originality in your writing—make it personal.
I like to include first-person stories and experiences in my writing when possible. Data can also help to make an idea stand out, especially if it's data you've collected through your own experiences. Even when writing articles for my clients, I find some way to include my expertise to bring their content to life so it stands out from other content.
Expand Sources of Inspiration
Originality in writing can be difficult to maintain, especially when you are consistently creating content. The trick is to expand your sources of inspiration and welcome new experiences.
Reading widely across different genres and industries, and exposing yourself to various perspectives—these things can help trigger fresh thoughts and keep your writing real.
I remember one particular assignment when I had to write multiple articles on a single topic within a very short time frame. To avoid monotony, I treated each article from a different angle based on my personal experience.
For instance, instead of penning another ordinary piece about productivity, I shared how time-blocking had helped me improve my efficiency levels while working. The approach not only kept the content unique but also made it more relatable and valuable for readers.
Another way that works for me every time is changing my writing environment. Sometimes, shifting from a quiet office setup to a busy café, or just taking a stroll, helps shift my thinking too, thereby leading to new ideas with creative approaches toward work.
These changes in surroundings are what inspire different ways of thinking, hence making content always look fresh.
Collaboration is key as well. When you engage other writers, editors, and even readers, they bring in their own fresh insights that might not have crossed your mind before.
There was this one project where, after going through a colleague’s feedback on a draft, it gave birth altogether to an entirely new direction that was more captivating than what I had initially come up with alone.
Ultimately, staying original while writing calls for a mix of curiosity, creativity, and adaptability too. When we borrow from many places around us, then our work will never lack freshness.
By changing where we write from and working together as people having different talents, our works become interestingly lively compared to others.
Combine Classic and Innovative Ideas
To keep my writing original, I blend classic ideas with new innovations. For example, when discussing traditional marketing strategies, I weave in the latest digital marketing trends. This approach creates a unique contrast that not only enriches the content but also appeals to a wide audience, providing them with a comprehensive view that links time-tested methods with cutting-edge techniques.
Share Unique Experiences
As a travel blogger, maintaining originality in my writing is one of the biggest challenges I face. With so many blogs, articles, and social media posts being shared every day, it can be difficult to stand out and create content that hasn't been seen before. However, as a seasoned traveler with a passion for writing and photography, I have developed strategies to overcome this challenge.
Firstly, I focus on personal experiences and unique perspectives when creating content for my European travel blog. Instead of simply regurgitating information found on other websites or guidebooks, I share stories from my own travels and incorporate my own insights and opinions, along with images that I took to document authenticity. This allows me to add a personal touch to my writing and differentiate myself from others.
Secondly, I make an effort to visit lesser-known destinations and off-the-beaten-path locations. While popular tourist spots can certainly be beautiful and worth visiting, they are often crowded and over-photographed. By seeking out hidden gems and undiscovered places, I am able to provide my audience with fresh content and inspire them to explore beyond the typical tourist attractions.
In addition to writing about travel experiences, I also incorporate my other interests into my blog. As a vegetarian foodie who loves visiting wineries, I often write about local cuisine and wine culture in the places I visit. This adds diversity to my content and allows me to connect with readers who share similar interests.
