When people ask me for advice about what to write it ultimately ends up being a a two part question. The first and perhaps the most difficult is “What should I write about?” or “How do you figure out what to write about” or “I don’t know what to write about”. The second question is, how do I write something that people will read? The second question first! Good writing is more art than science which means writing is easier for some people than others. That being said, good writing can be learned. I am one of those people for whom writing is not a natural gift. When I took freshman composition, I was required to write a major term paper. It was completely beyond my capability and I ended up with an incomplete. I only passed because the teacher died and all the incomplete grades were converted to passes.
There are three things you can do to be a good writer:
1. Read a lot.
As a kid growing up in the early days of television, reading was my primary form of entertainment. I would read one to three books per week just for fun. In what was essentially an osmosis effect, I was able to hear the difference between good writing and not so good writing. It gave me an ear for what which written words, sentences and paragraphs sounded good and what didn’t. Spend time reading the kind of material you would like to write.
2. Write a lot.
Write about stuff that interests you. Keep a journal and write in it every morning or evening. When you write don’t worry about how raw it is. Just put it on paper, let it flow, see what comes out.
3. Read what you write critically.
I know one professional writer who gets it right the first time, but it is a rare and unusual gift. Without exception every single thing I write needs to be read and corrected, then read and corrected again. When I write this blog, I start writing, and just let it flow. I know there will be wrong words, awkward sentences and paragraphs. I just let it all flow, knowing that because I have an ear for writing I can and will come back and fix it. I often spend more time in editing and rewriting than I do on the first draft.
4. Let what you write have it’s own life.
When I sat down to write this blog, it was going to be about picking topics. It immediately took on a life of it’s own and became an article about how to write. It’s no problem because, I will cover that topic next week.
5. Have someone else edit what you write.
I have two or three people who edit virtually everything I write. The reason I do this is that they have a different perspective than I do. They see things that I don’t see. Most of the time the corrections are small, but once in awhile my editor will flag a particular sentence or paragraph saying “I have no idea what you are trying to say.” You must be willing to have your editor, make dozens of changes or suggestions. Probably eighty percent of the time I agree with the changes, but sometimes I have a different perspective and reject a suggestion. I never get defensive about edits. I am always profoundly grateful no matter how extensive the suggestions. Steve Moran
Next week I will address the question of what to write.
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I belong to a writers group, it meets monthly and it is good because I need to have something written each onth that is new a fresh to share, and then I learn alot, especially about editing my own work from others. It’s just a hand full of us that meet at a coffe shop so it wouldn’t be hard to start such a group and if you are a writer or want to be a writer it would be a valuable thing to be a part of. Thanks fors sharing your experieince.
Hi kathy:
Thanks for the idea. It is not something I have done, but it is a great way to improve your writing.
Steve
I am in that situation of where to start, how to start. It usually takes a couple of days if I need to really write something important. I do marketing and so I create different Brochures and advertising so it has to eye catching and interesting information without sounding so same ole same ole. Thank you for sharing. I will look forward to your other writings.
Thank you,
Tonya
I came across this article, How to Be More Interesting on Forbes’ website (you should check it out- its entertaining). Advice #5 (of 10) is the one that I most agree with ~ “Have a Cause”.
I have a blog, and I don’t have a schedule or goal to post as much as I can as often as possible. I “read a lot”… and, when I find something that I can’t stop thinking about, that I am so excited to share, I write.
I personally think that not editing over and over again gives POV articles authenticity.
Tonya:
I appreciate you insights. I used to worry about how to start and do not do so as much. I agree there is great danger in allowing what one writes all starts to sound the same.
I am getting ready to start a series of profiles on various communities and I have spend a fair amount of time contemplating this very problem.
Steve
Hi Jaclyn:
That is a great article. I am really glad you can write well without a fair amount of editing. I thought about posting the first draft of this article so people can see how rough it started out, but I am not sure . . . . maybe still I will.
How about posting the link to your blog here so the rest of us can enjoy it.
Thanks
Steve
Thanks for the great post. I do all the marketing at my facility and I am great with catchy slogans, but I have a hard time staying on track when I write because I have so much to say…. as most women do. =)
I look forward to reading more of your posts. Thanks
Hi Keria:
Hmm . . . I am not so sure that is just a female problem. I am glad you are part of the conversation.
Steve
Very good writing tips. I believe everything said here, especially 1 and 2. Writing should be done on a regular basis to get better and better. Reading too is something that should be done everyday to be a better writer.
Steve:
Lots of great advice. I totally agree with letting it flow. If you start to judge your writing as you write, it’ll take for ever. Just get it on paper and then edit. I edit it myself and then I have a colleague edit too. Not only do they catch those little nits that the writer’s brain has a way of skipping, but they can also tell you what doesn’t make sense because they don’t have the same knowledge as you. One thing you don’t mention, but I see you doing, is to keep the tone conversational. Many people suddenly become all formal and stilted when they write. It’s more alive when it feels like someone is simply talking with you.