Makers: what do you struggle with most in writing?
Seems like a lot of makers struggle with writing words just like I struggle with writing code (my brain likes words more than technical stuff :P)
NOT generalizing, just writing what I've witnessed.
I'd love to create some resources for those of you who want to get better at writing.
So I'm wondering what about writing do you struggle with most?
- making it concise?
- making it persuasive?
- knowing which words to use and which words not to use?
- understanding how to write for different mediums, platforms, audiences, etc?
- understanding structure
- writing quickly
- writing in general
Tell me your experiences, thoughts, etc -- I'd love to help!
Yes, absolutely me. I've started my initiative to create content and just published my first piece. It was painful. The reward for getting it published has made the next piece easier to write.
Initially, on your list, I'd say ALL of it but prioritizing I'd say making it persuasive and conversational. I feel like my writing comes off very clinical.
I struggle to get the thoughts out of my head onto the "paper". I'm not sure how to categorize that. I've tried doing an outline as well as recording a stream of thought in an audio file and then writing while listening to it or just using voice to text. Those things have helped quite a bit.
Nice! Love your determination.
The more you do something the easier it becomes.
What are some resources you've already come by and tried to use that promised more persuasive and conversational writing?
I feel like those ideas I mentioned I heard on a podcast somewhere. For writing style, I just go back and read blog posts and emails from people whose style I admire and try to be in that mindset when I'm writing.
Makes sense, love it!
Three things that I am working on improving in my writing are:
That means that I:
You will notice that I have tried to apply those principles here.
If I can skip an adverb, I will. If I can avoid passive voice, I will.
This may result in longer text. But I find it easier to read than a crowded paragraph.
The good news is that my efforts have been worthwhile for me. Not to brag, but I now get paid to write for others. And that has been fulfilling, money aside.
Amazing, your improvements are successes at this point!
I'm told I'm a great writer but "punctuation sucks" My secret weapon is spell check. I need to catch up on the basics.
Yes, punctuation can make or break a phrase.
of all those you named, to be concise by far. I'm not sure if because I'm a dev (I don't think so, and I hate stereotypes, there's a lot of good writing by devs) or because I love detail in general, but I always find myself writing the same idea three sentences in a row with different connotations. Maybe language is too limited :P
On the other hand, my biggest struggle is to apply the "written is better than perfect" idea. I always want my sentences to come out perfect and well, that never happens, so I hardly get any serious writings out.
Funnily, I've started a personal challenge to write every day without thinking too much what I say as a result of this post on reddit on how to build the habit to write (featuring my app!).
Yep, I applied that strategy here, so I hope you can get something out of this gibberish!
Hey @mezod I changed my description to reflect what I meant--was in a rush before. There are many great devs that are also amazing writers, even better than writers who have been writing for years.
I often try to apply the same approach when writing social posts (if I were to apply the same principle to client work I wouldn't produce quality work).
Does your "written is better than perfect" achieve the results you're after?
For me personally its "knowing which words to use and which words not to use?". When it's in my head it makes sense, but translating that into words is exceptionally challenging.
Thank you so much @nphaskins :)
I feel like that when it comes to public speaking, haha