How I Simplified My Writing Process

I used to have six different apps for writing.

Three note-taking systems. Five research methods. Two backup systems for my backup systems.

My writing process was so complicated I spent more time managing it than actually writing.

Then I tried something radical: I got rid of almost everything.

The Problem with Complicated Systems

Most writers think more tools equal better writing. We collect apps like trophies, convinced the next productivity system will unlock our creative genius.

Here's what actually happens: You spend an hour organizing your research, thirty minutes updating your project management system, and fifteen minutes writing.

The tools become the work instead of supporting the work.

What Minimalism Actually Means for Writers

Minimalism isn't about writing with fewer words or having a sparse writing style. It's about removing everything that doesn't help you write better.

That might mean:

• Using one writing app instead of five
• Having one notebook instead of a dozen
• Working on one project at a time instead of juggling six

The goal is simple: less friction between you and your words.

My Simple Writing Setup

After years of experimenting, here's what I actually use:

For writing: Google Docs. That's it. Syncs everywhere, works offline, doesn't crash.

For notes: Google Keep on my phone. I can capture ideas instantly without opening a special app.

For research: I bookmark things in Raindrop and take screenshots. No complicated systems.

For editing: I read everything out loud. If it sounds weird, I fix it.

Total monthly cost: $0. Time spent managing tools: maybe five minutes.

The One-Project Rule

This changed everything for me: I only work on one writing project at a time.

Not one blog post, one newsletter, one book, and three social media campaigns. One thing. Until it's done.

When I tried to juggle multiple projects, I'd spend half my writing time switching between contexts and remembering where I left off. Now I just open my document and write.

How to Simplify Your Research

Research can become a black hole. You start looking up one fact and emerge three hours later with forty-seven open tabs and no actual writing done.

Here's what works:

• Set a timer for research sessions
• Write down what you need to know before you start looking
• Save everything in one place (I use a simple Google Doc)
• Research in batches, then write in batches

Don't research while you write. It kills momentum.

The Editing Mindset That Works

Most writers edit while they write. They fix every sentence before moving to the next one. This is the enemy of flow.

Better approach:

• Write the whole thing first, no matter how bad it is
• Let it sit for a day if possible
• Read it out loud and mark the weird parts
• Fix the weird parts
• Done

You can't edit a blank page. Get the words down first, then make them better.

What About All Those Writing Apps?

Scrivener, Notion, Ulysses, Bear, Obsidian. I've tried them all.

Here's the truth: They're solutions looking for problems. Most writers don't need complex organization systems. They need to write more consistently.

Pick one simple app and stick with it for six months. Focus on writing, not tool management.

The Clean Workspace Myth

You don't need a perfect writing space to write well. I've written articles on my phone while waiting in line. I've written newsletters in coffee shops with crying babies.

What matters is removing digital distractions:

• Close unnecessary browser tabs
• Put your phone in another room
• Use distraction-blocking apps if you need them
• Have everything you need before you start writing

The Power of Constraints

Limitations force creativity. When you can only use one simple tool, you focus on the words instead of the formatting.

When you can only work on one project, you finish things instead of starting new ones.

When you limit your research time, you write with what you know instead of falling down rabbit holes.

Start Your Simple System Today

Pick one writing app. Delete the rest from your computer.

Pick one current project. Put the others in a "someday" folder.

Set a timer for 25 minutes and write without stopping.

That's it. That's the system.

Complexity is seductive because it feels productive. Simplicity is effective because it actually gets things done.

What's the simplest part of your current writing process? Reply and tell me - I'm always looking for ways to simplify even more.

Thanks for reading!

Hi, I'm Joe. I help creators share their unique voices simply and effectively. Here's how I can help you:

• One email, Monday thru Friday
• Learn in less than a minute
• Simple. Repeatable. Human.

Minimal Inbox, Maximum Value. Niche of One.