Whether you are writing white papers, web content, blog entries, brochures or any other copy, you MUST be fed. Eventually your writing will turn from healthy green to an ugly shade of brown if you do not take regular and proactive steps to fertilize your writing.

Like healthy grass, a good writer needs fertilizer, regularly applied. Here are few ideas to keep your writing crisp and green:

• Apply fertilizer: Once every few weeks, seek out excellent writing and get inspired. Look to industries outside yours to find examples. Think outside the garden. An excellent place to add fertilizer is the Successful Blog. Read some of the entries on writing and start turning your writing green again.

• Mow regularly: Be sure to cut, hack and edit your writing on a regular basis. By trimming away the extra words, your writing becomes tighter. Always force yourself to sit on your writing and revisit itÑeven when you think it is complete. Good editing results in more enjoyable words for your readers.

• Avoid too much sun: Take a break from your writing. Come back fresh and new after a small rest. Walk around for a bit. Listen to some tunes. Grab a snack. Forced distractions often result in creative bursts.

What are some of the strategies you use to keep your writing green? Discuss this topic now on Michael’s blog.

About the author: Michael Stelzner is the author of the book Writing White Papers: How to Capture Readers and Keep Them Engaged, founder of WhitePaperSource and author of nearly 100 white papers.