Keep a swipe file

If I could recommend one good habit for anyone who does any kind of writing, it would be this: keep a swipe file.

Early in my career I worked for a regional publication. My first day on the job, I could barely contain my giddiness at actually being paid to sit and read their magazine. Oh, how I loved that job!

One of the best takeaways from my publishing experience was the concept of a swipe file. A swipe file is simply your own file of good writing and creative examples: tearsheets, quotes, headlines, photos, direct mail pieces … pretty much anything that will inspire you.

My own swipe file includes Kelly Benham’s rooster story, a sweepstakes entry from Mary Kay, a well-crafted profile piece of the Barefoot Contessa and a kick-ass autoresponder from an obscure e-commerce site.

Start your own file right now — either physical or electronic  (I use both) — and then add to it over time, making sure to weed out things that are dated or no longer to your liking.

Keeping and using a swipe file is a good way to overcome writer’s block and inspire a creative breakthrough. Sometimes reading a well-crafted sentence or seeing a sample of what you’re working toward is enough to get those creative juices flowing. And who doesn’t need that from time to time?

By JanO on 7/31/09, In writing, Tags advice, dialogue, great copy, hate to write, how to write, ideas, inspiration, non writers, self-publishing, shortcuts, typing