A friend commented to me that she was surprised I could write a blog three times a week for fifty-two weeks for ten years. I told her that for a long time, I have been trying to free the writer inside.
A Natural Writer
Writing was not something that came naturally to me. My wife, Ra El, for example, is an exquisite writer with a remarkable ability to express an idea and connect directly to the emotional energy of a thought.
My Aunt Annette was a talented lyricist and screenplay writer, and I am still amazed at how words would effortlessly flow from her Smith Corona typewriter.
Grammarly has become my new BFF. Grammarly is a writing app that helps you improve your writing by offering constructive suggestions. I think of it as a teacher, not a crutch. Grammarly has helped me find the writer inside.
Words Matter
For the work, I do with clients, words matter. I spend long hours crafting the language for an email or message to capture the right tone and tenor. And writing about marketing on The Marketing Sage blog gives me the chance to determine what I believe about a topic.
To become a better writer, here are the essentials:
- Write daily. First of all, I don’t care what the excuse is, but you must practice each day like a competency you want to improve. The more you write, the more your writing muscle gets exercised.
- Publish on time. Having a deadline each day or week is critical to success. Thus, constraints make you better because it forces you to hit send. If I did not have to impose a deadline on myself, I’d keep rewriting endlessly. Most noteworthy, as Seth Godin says, you must ship your art. What he means is, 85% is okay. Let your ideas out for others to read.
- Let it Breathe. Mindful of my deadlines, I always plan to let my writing breathe for a day or two, so I can read it anew. Sometimes, I’ll email a draft to myself and read it the next day as if it came from someone else. Writing needs space, just not too much.
- Read. Above all, to become a better writer, you have to read a lot of better writing. Whatever you enjoy, reading well-structured articles, essays, or books, reading helps you see the possibilities for your writing to improve.
Searching for the writer inside of you? Start now.
How effective are your written communications?
I can help. You can set up a time to chat with me about your marketing challenges using my calendar. Our initial conversation is free. You talk, I listen. Email me jeffslater@themarketingsage.com or call me. 919 720 0995. Visit my website at www.themarketingsage.com. Let’s explore working together today.
Photo by Patrick Fore on Unsplash
