Going analog 
One of the keys to writing is to approach the task with a clear mind. Barring that, a clear understanding of the flow of the document that you are writing or intend to write. Sometimes, though, you can’t get that by sitting in front of a computer. You might be able to write, but what comes out requires a lot of editing and salvaging.
Another solution is to go analog.
What do I mean by that? Find a quiet spot — somewhere in your house or in your favourite coffee shop or cafe. Take a pen and some paper with you. Relax for a few minutes and then start to write. You’ll find that when you’re away from the computer, your ideas and sentences will come out a little more slowly but with a little more clarity and cohesion.
How I do it
From late spring to late autumn, I grab my bean bag chair and retreat on to my (enclosed) porch. In winter, I venture into my basement. Often, I’ll put on some music — depending on my mood it might be Thelonius Monk, Square Wave, or King Crimson. I usually have a spiral-bound notebook or my trusty Moleskine in my hand.
Usually, the writing doesn’t start immediately although the ideas are moving rapidly around in my head. After a few minutes, the ideas slow down and start to coalesce. Sometimes I’ll write in full paragraphs, and sometimes I’ll write in fragments of paragraphs that I can expand upon later. After an hour or so, I often have 80% of an article written. For longer pieces, I’ll have a solid framework upon which I can build.
Does this always work?
No. There are times when your pen will bleed gibberish. Or, at least, something that’s not worth using. But afterwards you might just find that your head is clearer and the words will flow when you return to your keyboard. That might not happen in all cases, though.
If you’re facing the tail end of a tight deadline you, of course, can’t just take an hour or two to woolgather while the clock is ticking.
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