Writing doesn't have to be a struggle, but all too often it is.

The culprit? Starting to write before anchoring the process by answering these basic questions.

• Why are you writing this book, story or special report? Are you writing it to heighten your professional credibility? For a contest, publication, assignment? To chronicle your family history? The more compelling your "why,"  the more motivated you'll be to start and keep writing.
  
  
• What are you writing about? Can you describe your theme in 25 to 50 words? These few words serve as a helpful guide, especially if you get stuck or off track.
  
  
• Who is the ideal reader? When you can envision your ideal reader, you can write as though speaking directly to him or her. The words start to flow naturally.

Take the time upfront to follow these three writing tips. Answering the questions "why, what and who" will give you a solid foundation for launching your writing process and guiding you to completion.

Instead of struggling with writing, you may even find yourself experiencing the sheer joy of being in the flow!