- Learn from others. Find role models — people whose writing you like — and study their style. Read with intentionality. Notice what strikes you as good or bad writing.
- Writing anything is better than writing nothing. Practice makes less imperfect. Make every writing opportunity an opportunity to develop your writing skills.
- All good writing starts with the initial rough draft. Your first draft is just the starting point. Learn to trust yourself and the process.
- Don’t fall in love with your own words. Edit ruthlessly. Focus on tight writing. Become best friends with your delete key.
- Write like you speak. Eschew terminological obfuscation and fancy formality. Write in a conversational me-to-you tone.
- Let your subconscious do your writing for you. A great deal of writing happens when you are away from the keyboard. Write, put it away and then look at it later on with fresh eyes.
- When (not if) you get stuck, notice your writing “shoulds.” Acknowledge them and set them aside. Take a break then write an email about what you are stuck writing about.
- Find a setting that is conducive to writing. Use your favorite font. Play your favorite music. Find your favorite location. Use whatever approach works best for you
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