How founders can write abundantly
If you are building something, the only way you're going to be successful is if you communicate value. All founders should be writers. And all writers should be prolific.
Most writers don’t write enough. They are insecure or too prideful to make mistakes, or they overthink the process. But we can only become better writers by doing. Writers can become better at their craft when switching from a survival mindset to an abundance mindset.
*The Writer-Survivor: It needs to be perfect. What if I run out of good ideas? What if I waste my best ideas on this piece?
*The Abundant Writer: Ideas flow through me. It is so much that I HAVE to write about it. If I don’t, I can’t express myself, and I cannot grow.
Two different writers with two different sets of opportunities. We want to be on the side of abundance. So what can we do? How do we become abundant writers?
- Think First
The abundant writer has to have an abundant mind. Do they see the benefits of publishing and writing prolifically? Are they optimistic that they will develop new ideas and inspiration? Are they pragmatic, finding opportunities in their daily life that could be translated into written expression? If we want to be abundant writers, we need to ask these questions and create a thought-life that supports our craft.
First, we should think more positively. When we face a challenge, we look for opportunities. Second, we need to surround ourselves with friends that face similar challenges and can cheer us on. If it weren’t for many of the friends I made on Twitter, I don’t think I would be writing today.
Once you have the right mindset, nurture your mind to seek new writing opportunists and inspiration. Everything in your life could be used to help someone. Write about it.
- Get Curious and Passionate (then write it down)
The best writers are great at noticing details. Think of your favorite novels and how the authors build their characters and describe a setting. They aren’t making things up out of anything. Instead, it’s a muscle they have practiced for a long time, paying attention to details throughout their daily lives.
Next time you are waiting in a line, take note of the details. What are the people like? What are they wearing? What is the condition of the floor or the colors of the counter? How do the employees carry themselves? How is everyone handling the long wait? Pay attention, watch and listen.
Leonardo da Vinci and Benjamin Franklin were famous for their note-taking. They described details and things they learned. The intentional act of noticing details, and recording them, helped in their craft as multi-talented creators.
For example, if you want to improve your metaphors, write a list of odd things you notice. Be specific. I recently wrote, “the tape on old wood, painted over with red.” Many of them will be useless, but you will find winners and original metaphors you can use to describe something. If you struggle with details and metaphors, write a short story of a thousand words or less to practice. Even if you write nonfiction or marketing materials, this will stretch your originality.
- Write Ferociously
Write every day about everything. It doesn’t matter if it fits your audience. That’s not the only people you write to, nor is it the only reason you write. Write for your audience, family, community, friends, yourself, your future self, your kids, partner, childhood friends, former teachers, and anyone. You can publish it on a specific platform, send a letter to the person, or throw it in your cabinet. The point is that you want to write like it’s breathing.
I think of Hemingway. I have a compilation of notable articles he wrote as a journalist on my bookshelf. Odds are, you haven’t read any of them. I didn’t until I got it. Yet, he wrote a million words that would quickly expire thanks to the lifespan of current events. But it shaped his writing. The several novels he wrote have outlived him and created a legacy for generations. We celebrate the significant milestones, but he put in the work for years. (I recommend reading his articles to understand his evolution as a writer and improve your style).
- Imagine Your New Piece as Your Best Yet
What you wrote yesterday is not your best. You have grown as a writer, and your craft is better. You gained more experience and a more informed perspective on life. You noticed new details throughout your day, and you have new inspiration. If you start with the mindset that you are writing your best piece, you’ll always create great content.
The abundant writer knows that their craft is not finite. It is a well that needs to be replenished, drawn from, shared with, and taken care of. They understand that it is renewable as long as it is sustainable. The abundant writer knows how to set boundaries, renew themself, create opportunities for inspiration, and see the best ahead of them.
- Publish (or Don’t)
I hear the advice, and I imagine you do, that we should publish as much as possible. This is true, but it neglects writing as a principle. Writing is not validated by how publishable it is. As mentioned before, write for everyone and everything. If you can’t publish it, then don’t. You should never stump inspiration because you can’t publish. You will miss opportunities to improve your writing and express yourself.
For the work you can publish, do not let fear stop you. Publish, absorb the feedback, and continue to improve as a writer. An abundant writer knows they will always have something to publish. They understand that each piece does not die at publication, but it can lead to an ongoing conversation that fuels a series of articles, more content that expounds on the original idea, and a significant pillar in their writing portfolio.
- Summary (or, The Abundant Writer’s Manifesto) *
I will write daily. I will do it so much that words will flow from my keyboard.
I will always find inspiration. I create sustainable habits that refill me so I can always write more. I take notes of the details I experience throughout my day.
I write about everything and to everyone. All writing is significant, whether for a major website or a friend.
My best writing is ahead of me. Today will be my best work. Tomorrow will be my best work.
I like the idea of abundance, but I think it becomes sustainable only when writing is connected to real work. The best ideas often come from solving problems, making decisions, or changing your mind about something. Writing then becomes a way to capture learning rather than a task on its own. Over time, those reflections compound into a body of knowledge that is much more valuable than chasing a publishing schedule. Thanks for sharing this perspective.