Great list! As a new writer this is very helpful. A quote from Shane Parrish says, "writing is the process by which you realize you do not understand what you are talking about." This inspired me to start exploring new ideas through writing instead of just thinking. When everything is out on the paper there is nowhere for it to hide. I'll be sure to implement these 7 tools going forward!
Thanks for reposting this, Paul. I usually follow these seven tips, some consciously and others unconsciously. But Nos. 6 and 7 I am very aware of. Brevity is golden. Clarity is platinum. I try never to exceed 2,000 words, which is a 10-12 minute read. Any longer and people simply won't read it. Anyway, I appreciate these reminders, Ms. Stanescu.
You are so right about the importance of writing! I believe it is one of the few truly transferrable skills. Not to mention to some people, like me, it is a status and competence marker (i.e. brownie points no matter who you are and what field you’re in).
Recently, I also started to ask myself: "Is your message strong enough? Did you add too many caveats?" It connects to the fifth one, "How do I want the reader to feel?". I often found that I'm afraid to take a stance, and the lukewarm effort at an opinion is not well received by readers.
When I first started writing, I had the same worry. With time, I learned that ultimately, people read our articles to see what our take is on a certain topic. They don't want generic advice, nor lectures. That's why I think it's important to find a sweet spot of taking a stance, but not imposing it on the reader.
I had the epiphany when one of my most loyal readers said he liked the last topic, but he felt that he couldn't understand what I actually thought... Now I need to take care not to swing too hard to the other side.
Great list! As a new writer this is very helpful. A quote from Shane Parrish says, "writing is the process by which you realize you do not understand what you are talking about." This inspired me to start exploring new ideas through writing instead of just thinking. When everything is out on the paper there is nowhere for it to hide. I'll be sure to implement these 7 tools going forward!
Thanks for reposting this, Paul. I usually follow these seven tips, some consciously and others unconsciously. But Nos. 6 and 7 I am very aware of. Brevity is golden. Clarity is platinum. I try never to exceed 2,000 words, which is a 10-12 minute read. Any longer and people simply won't read it. Anyway, I appreciate these reminders, Ms. Stanescu.
BTW how can I share this article?
Look for a share button either at the top right corner or bottom of the article!
You are so right about the importance of writing! I believe it is one of the few truly transferrable skills. Not to mention to some people, like me, it is a status and competence marker (i.e. brownie points no matter who you are and what field you’re in).
That happens to me as well! It's like giving yourself un unfair advantage :)
Good reminder. “How do I want the reader to feel?” rarely gave thought to this. I think it is important no matter whom you are writing to.
This one took me a while to learn too! It's usually an afterthought for many.
“I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
That's very true. The more you make your content engaging the more people will want to read it, and read more from you..
Thank you for an insightful story, Irina!
Recently, I also started to ask myself: "Is your message strong enough? Did you add too many caveats?" It connects to the fifth one, "How do I want the reader to feel?". I often found that I'm afraid to take a stance, and the lukewarm effort at an opinion is not well received by readers.
When I first started writing, I had the same worry. With time, I learned that ultimately, people read our articles to see what our take is on a certain topic. They don't want generic advice, nor lectures. That's why I think it's important to find a sweet spot of taking a stance, but not imposing it on the reader.
Yeah, that sweet spot is hard to find :)
I had the epiphany when one of my most loyal readers said he liked the last topic, but he felt that he couldn't understand what I actually thought... Now I need to take care not to swing too hard to the other side.
How awesome that your reader shared that feedback with you, what a gift!