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Over the past few months, I became serious about improving my writing. The scariest part is always (1) hitting publish (2) comparing to others. I’ve found a few tactical tips to be particularly helpful and wanted to share how I made this a habit I look forward to building
1/ On process: from @david_perell
When you’re writing, just write. Don’t research and fidget with what you are working on. Do your research separately and write away from google. Create a writing "legend" to help you stay focused on the writing over the edits
When you’re writing, just write. Don’t research and fidget with what you are working on. Do your research separately and write away from google. Create a writing "legend" to help you stay focused on the writing over the edits
2 / On crafting a story: from @EllenRhymes
Think of your writing as having characters and bring them to life. Maybe you’re writing about Big Tech vs. Governments (as one does). How would they behave if they were characters in a movie?
Think of your writing as having characters and bring them to life. Maybe you’re writing about Big Tech vs. Governments (as one does). How would they behave if they were characters in a movie?
3 / On editing a sentence: from @Alexdanco
* Eliminate unnecessary words
* If you mean it, say it. Don’t hedge
* Eliminate superlatives like “really"
* Active voice!
* Read it aloud
Do I recommend doing this for every sentence? No. Have I done it? Yes.
* Eliminate unnecessary words
* If you mean it, say it. Don’t hedge
* Eliminate superlatives like “really"
* Active voice!
* Read it aloud
Do I recommend doing this for every sentence? No. Have I done it? Yes.
4 / On making it a habit
Block out time to write every day. It’s not all for public consumption and the first 20 minutes can be like pulling teeth. But like @david_perell says writing well is like going to the gym - have to be consistent
Block out time to write every day. It’s not all for public consumption and the first 20 minutes can be like pulling teeth. But like @david_perell says writing well is like going to the gym - have to be consistent
5 / On getting feedback & guidance
I've worked with a writing coach @EllenRhymes and I cannot recommend it enough! Getting feedback and talking through ideas clarifies thinking. Do it with your friends, do it with colleagues - the more the merrier.
I've worked with a writing coach @EllenRhymes and I cannot recommend it enough! Getting feedback and talking through ideas clarifies thinking. Do it with your friends, do it with colleagues - the more the merrier.
6 / On simplifying:
"the problem of writers who set out deliberately to garnish their prose... the reader will notice if you are putting on airs. Readers want the person who is talking to them to sound genuine. Therefore a fundamental rule is: be yourself." - On Writing Well
"the problem of writers who set out deliberately to garnish their prose... the reader will notice if you are putting on airs. Readers want the person who is talking to them to sound genuine. Therefore a fundamental rule is: be yourself." - On Writing Well
7 / At the end of the day, you can optimize your notes, listen to podcasts, and read all the books but you just have to write. And write. And write some more 
good writing is clear thinking!
good writing is clear thinking!
