- Write.
- Write more.
- Write even more.
- Write even more than that.
- Write when you don’t want to.
- Write when you do.
- Write when you have something to say.
- Write when you don’t.
- Write every day.
- Keep writing.
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hmm…how can i write when i don’t want to and when i don’t have something to say?
Just do it.
I don’t understand! WHAT ARE YOU TRYING TO SAY?!?????? Honestly, it’s like a riddle, wrapped in an enigma, covered in secret sauce.
(somewhat related)
Thank goodness I know you better John, or I might think you’re being serious. Some of the people I’ve run up against this week would make your head swim…
Excellent! Yes we have to just WRITE!
Well said. When I get my blog out of beta, my goal is to write one unique article everyday, complemented with 4-5 “news” articles.
The Zen of writing:
In the beginning writing was just writing.
In the middle writing was much more than just writing.
In the end writing was just writing again.
… don’t know why I wrote this comment…
mmmm…I’ve had writer’s block for 4 days now, and I’m not even a writer. Thanks for the sound advice.
funny, i feel like this all of the time…best post ever on your blog. i strongly suggest the “page a day” no matter what thing, whenever it happens…now keeping a private journal to make myself write even if it’s just rants…it’ll be fun to look at in 50 years if i’m still alive…
The best advice I’ve read on your excellent blog, and just the kick up the backside I needed as I procrastinate about my own nascent blog. Thanks and keep up the great work!
Maybe you can change ur tagline to ->
Copybloggers: Just Write It.
Haha!
Yep there’s no substitute for the real thing.
And writer’s block is just a pile of crap. Imagine using that excuse in another profession…
“I just can’t work today man…I’ve got bricklayer’s block!”
Just write anything.
I’ve found one of the greatest secrets to writing well is having done it seriously for 33 years.
Kindest regards,
Andrew Cavanagh
Very profound. I’ve posted this to my Singing Songwriter blog and linked it to my Yahoo! songwriting group. The fact is, practice makes perfect; the more you write, the better you get, no matter what you’re writing. Thanks for this article.
Kenny Hart
Don’t you think 9 & 10 are kind of similar? Are you really trying to stretch nine steps into ten?
I get your point, but gee, if a person doesn’t want to write, or doesn’t feel he has anything to say, why encourage him to write? There are plenty of other writers, and I’m subscribed to more of them than is healthy anyway.
Damned difficult making a living writing. I enjoy writing, and even have had fun doing it, but only as an amateur. The worlds of enjoyable writing and professional writing have no overlap in my experience. My hat’s off to anyone who can make it work for them.
Jay, see my last post about feedback.
John, this article is for people who want to write better, pro or amateur (see the headline).
Not all writing needs to be public. Great writers put their shit in the waste basket.
Hemingway said that, not me.
You left out one really important one:
READ.
You can write all you want but if you don’t read what and how better writers write you will not improve as much as you could otherwise.
This is so true. You only improve by writing a lot. The more you write, the better you get, and your work will attract individuals who can offer you suggestions, criticisms, or feedback so that you’re consistently growing.
Dammit Quad, you ruined my next post:
How to Become a More Successful Blogger
1. Read books
2. Read books
3. Read books
4. Read books
5. Read books
6. Read books
7. Read books
8. Read books
9. Read books
10. Read books
Very true. When I started writing a monthly eZine, it was so hard. It is easier now that I write a weekly eZine, plus two daily blogs, plus a 1/2 book chapter every day.
Just like anything else, it takes practice. Part of the practice is the skill of writing — but part is the habit.
Thanks!
Follow up with 3 Ways to Put Your Writing in Perspective:
1. Read when you’re not writing
2. Write when you’d rather be reading
3. Edit when you’re sober
Number 3: “Edit when…” is open to personal interpretation.
Pete, I love it. I say this:
Write at night, edit in the morning.
That way, I admit to nothing.
Ditto Kenny Hart. Some of the posts on here are better songwriting advice than a LOT of songwriting advice.
Someone once said that the value of writing daily, around the same time, is that the Muse learns your office hours.
Never met anyone with talking block (for more than a second).
This is something I think about sometimes – that is, does writing just to write improve your writing?
Or do you need focus in your writing to have any improvement at all?
Brian – I just started reading your blog (even though I’d come across it a couple of times prior) – Great work
So your saying I should write…
Hey, by the way, Chee Kui- great catch phrase! lol
Well, I’d actually say…
But that’s just me.
Sorry if I didn’t make myself clear before. I’ll put it this way: Someone who has what it takes to write professionally shouldn’t have to be told that writing is real drudgery at times. Either you decide it’s worth it and just do it, or you do something else for a living.
And to answer your question, even though I have no intention of being a professional blogger or any kind of pro writer, I subscribed here because to learn more and make my amateur scribblings less amateurish. Some days I don’t feel like writing or have nothing to say. I can see why a person whose paycheck depends on what he gets down on paper would have to know those 10 steps.
But I’ve also read your posts about writing for customers, and they don’t include making snarky “read the headline” comments or misinterpreting not feeling like writing at a given time to not wanting to write at all. So maybe I’ve been in the wrong place all along.
Anyway, good luck with your business…
Lol nolimitslady, I m glad u like it. Or maybe try this one: Stop whining and just write it.
Hello. As a writer there are times when I really don’t feel like writing. Too stressed out and not motivated at all. What I do is take a breather, something to make me feel better. Then I get back to writing, and realize why I love doing it in the first place.
Thanks for the helpful tips! I really enjoy reading your blog. =)
You think that was snarky? Sorry.
Anyone who wants to be a better writer should write as much as possible. If you don’t feel like doing the work, it’s just like anything else. You won’t be as good as someone who does.
RE: Read books (NSFW)
Okay, I’m printing this as big as possible and taping it on a wall.
My name is Robert Bruce and I approve of this post.
Thank you for this post. At last i see someone talk about this. For me, Just write anything even though you got nothing.
Whenever in doubt, just post it. Alright, i know my english is not good, but just write anyway.
Been reading silently from the feeds… but this post just hit the nail on me. Thanks again
While this is cute and pulls in comments and links for you, it’s not entirely correct.
It’s missing at least three essential steps:
- Read, read, read
- Edit mercilessly
- Get your stuff reviewed mercilessly
Without these steps, you are not going to become a good writer, even if you follow your ten steps.
Yehuda
Great post! Great humour! This is what I call a very good way of driving home an obvious point which most people understand but don’t want to accept! Indeed, practice makes a person perfect, or at least better!
Thanks for the tips, I felt free, to translate them to German.
And thanks for the inspiring comments.
Can you write, once you stop thinking???
I have known this for some time…but I still can’t force myself to write even though I know it is such a useful skill.
I might add a bonus:
Write ANYTHING if you can’t write something
When I taught writing courses as a grad student, I told them writing was like a muscle. The more they exercise it, the stronger it gets. Simple analogy, but lacking the pinache of your 10-step program.
Haha! Totally true, Brian. Practice makes perfect–even if some practice sessions result in complete garbage.
My two cents:
You can write all the time, but remember, no one else has to see it, and it never has to be published. Just writing allows your brain to release some of it’s “hold-ups” and eventually produce amazing copy. This is one area I still need to work on in my professional life.
Great advice.
WRITE: Words Represent, Impress, Tell, Entertain
This acronym just came to my mind.
Clara
I can’t help thinking how much clearer Brian’s message could have been if accompanied – as his posts usually are – with an excellent photograph to illustrate his point.
Keep It Simple Stupid!
Along with writing…
1. Read good writers
2. Read good writers more.
3. Read good writers even more.
4. Read good writers even more than that.
5. Read good writers when you don’t want to.
6. Read good writers when you do.
7. Read good writers when you have something to say.
8. Read good writers when you don’t.
9. Read good writers all the time.
10. Keep Reading good writers.
I totally agree with the advice “just write” x 10, which will help you become a better writer, but with one addition:
11. Don’t publish everything you write.
Dude, honestly this post was a total waste of time. Peace
Great advice. Will try to follow it.
So what you’re really saying is, “Omit Words.”
Got it ; )
-Chuck
http://www.ihateyourjob.com
I would add:
Read books that have nothing to do with the niche you are writing about.
Reading novels actually grooms my mind for writing about SEO.
May I suggest an addendum? Write. Get someone to read it; listen to what they say. Write some more. Repeat.
Can be summed up as “Write”.
Grace, you’re absolutely right.
But would the impact be the same?
Creative use of repetition to drive the point home
What if I write something? Do you think that would help?
Oh my goodness. This proves once again that you are my hero. Valuable tip that put a smile on my face. Love it!
I’m totally with Andrew Cavanagh on this one — “And writer’s block is just a pile of crap. Imagine using that excuse in another profession…”
Absolutely.
There’s nothing like a pressing need to pay the bills, to teach someone to get over themselves, buckle down, and write something.
Yes, reading is important.
But a writer is one who writes — end of definition.
(It really does help to carry an old-fashioned notebook and pencil in your back pocket, by the way. No excuse then for not writing, writing, writing… )
Just do it. Exactly! With practice, writing improves. Writing is a passion, not everyone has, but if you read this blog then that should apply to everyone.
Keep writing!
Does this comment qualify as writing?
“Write when you don’t want to.”
Tell that to me at 6AM
I wonder if prose writers avail themselves of the same obvious-but-overlooked technology we songwriters use…speaking and recording our writing on our cell phones, digital recorders when we’re out and can’t write things down…
that is, if “writing” is defined as the meaningful placement of words, one after another…not necessarily necessitating the moving of fingers lining up groups of letters, like loading boxcars on a freight train. “Always writing” can sound painful to some, I fear. Need not be.
To me, being a constant writer doesn’t mean being a constant scribe. Talking the writing can work, and if you record it, you’re covered in case you accidentally create something worth saving.
Write on! Right on!
“Read” and “Read Books” are great, but before I skimmed the comment section I thought to myself…
You left out “Read Blogs”. Yes, I suppose it’s similar, but then again, it’s different too.
E.G., you need more paragraph breaks in blogs, otherwise they are difficult to look at. You don’t pick that up from reading a “book”.
Nor will you realize that the most successful bloggers link out to other bloggers, and that linking out creates value to your readers.
So let’s add “Read Blogs”, as at least number 11, and I’d argue, possibly #1.
After all, if you’re not reading (at all, that is), you have no shot at writing anything imho.
I’d throw some reading in there as well
Unfortunately, more writing doesn’t work for everyone. I have a co-worker who was been “writing” for more than 6 years … and hasn’t improved a bit.
Reading his work is like constantly tripping over your own two feet.
I actually think the post has meaning. All he is saying is that if you want to be a better writer, practice, practice, practice. I still mess up on the smallest things. Good job Brian!
You make it sound so easy, wish I could just write anytime I felt like it.
i write crap, ten years later is still crap. i write and improve crap, then years later, it’s a much better crap.
i can’t pull this one off!
Brian, only you can write something like that, and still make sense:)
No wisdom works for everyone.
But the day I read this, I opened up Walter Mosley’s book, This Year You Write Your Novel, to the first page of advice…and it was…to write daily.
For those that have the discretion to edit themselves, the intelligence to learn by doing, and the humility to absorb and gain from critique…the 10 Steps are useful advice.
It’s also good for those who wait to write until the inspiration fairy lands on them.
0. Read
0.9 Think
….
9.9 Read
9.99 Think
for such a short post, who would have guessed there would be so many comments.
But i agree, you couldnt be more right
Hello,
I’m very much impressed by the way the author tells everybody to write, write and write. I’m also fond of writing, reading and expressing the things i have read and wrote about. But one thing that stop me from doing so is the kind of feeling that may be my writing is not that good. As the author said, the act of perfection always follows practice. So I’m starting to write this comment. Let it be bad and let it be like a scribble, I’m happy that i have started something after reading this post. People can comment on my post and suggest me or motivate me to write more as well.
V V S Kumar.
A friend of mine liked this post and pointed out..
This list forgets the other half of the equation: Read! Read outside of your comfort zone. Variety in reading can be a crucial way to increase writing ability.
Simple … and true.
Hello, my name is Alice and I’ve fallen in love with this post. One of the best and succinct post EVER.
I love this post, Brian. I had started several novels, dribbling out to nothing after a few chapters each time until I took on the NaNoWriMo challenge last year to write 50,000 words in the month of November. If I felt stuck I did whatever I had to do to move the story — sometimes by doing something wacky like having my characters talk about me not having an idea and what they would like to do, but I made it to the finish line. I learned a lot about the middle and end of a novel! I also stopped worrying about being perfect and allowed myself to have fun writing just for the love of it.
All that creativity within us is potential until we get it out into the light of day whether we just write for our personal pleasure or to share with others. And I must admit I would have loved to be able to go through Ernest Heminway’s wastebasket!!
Thanks for a great post, Brian.
I was forwarded here by Clint Watson at http://www.fineartviews.com
How true! Works the same for painters. Can read all you want, but ditto CheeKui: Just grab yourself a pair of Nikes (and a paintbrush) and just DO IT!
It’s like wanting to know the meaning of: GABBO…GABBO…GABBO!
I don’t think they’re giving us enough information.
nice tips and it made me laugh….
Answering John Stansbury: it’s like Practice makes perfect, although Ted Williams said it better: Practice perfect makes perfect
hahaha….at first when i read this post….i laugh about it but in a way of taking it as an good tips and advice. Short articles and good advice….
easier said than done….but said well….well done.
Love this list… I’d only add rewrite
Always a voracious reader, this is perhaps the best advice I can give. Sometimes, inspiration comes from some inane piece of material you read that you never thought you’d have a use for.
Also, talk to people. As a freelance writer, you may feel isolated and may not get much outside interaction. So, make sure to talk to the cashier inthe grocery store, the old man who always sits on the park bench where you run, the old lady always working in her yard, the kids who play basketball in front of your house.
Writing is, after all communication. To stay plugged in, that means interacting with the people who cross our paths every day.
THIS will make you a better writer (in my humble opinion).
Sincerely,
Yuwanda Black
this is good advice,but what are some possible steps to become published,for example at a young age?
Read good stuff. That sure helps me write better. Classic books, good magazines, other blogs.
Your post kills procrastination. In other words, it inspires all writers. I have been wanting to write one killer post this week. Somehow, I haven’t been able to start.
Now I feel like writing something. At least a few words.
Thank you very much.
Sudheer
good article.
practice makes perfect in any field
very nice advise…:)
I loved this post! I’ll be linking to it soon. Thanks for the great post.
Debbie
well i was astonished at the points myself, but i must say u are indeed right, the only way to write a good blog is to continue to write and before long ur’re there. i will keep to this advice tanx a great deal
Haha! So practical.
Sharkyx above was wrong…he should see some of the junk I see in the real estate blog world..absolutely pathetic
i agree with you,and now i start with your blog ,
and i am trying. i think you are just serious for this..
I will try. And it seems it is going to work.
Great point to make
clear and simple
Nice post =)
This is something I really need to work on.
I completely understand the point of this post.
The more you write, the better writer you will become.
What I don’t completely understand, is how (judging from the comments) this comes as a surprise to people.
Subtract the “writing” aspect of this post and this applies to everything else in life, the more you do, or practice anything, the better you will be at it.
The style (way it was written) of the post is just a way to get the message out in an expeditious, and easily comprehendable manner – which I feel worked.
But, really, people should already know this stuff!
Great post.
I think the hardest part is coming up with the RIGHT thing to say.
I’ll toil, pound the delete button, stare at my notes… until finally, the one sentence I’ve been waiting for will pop into my head and it all flows from there.
easier said than done….but said well….well done.
Excellent post! I am a new writer. I couldn’t able to write in the past. But now, I can write easily. I don’t have much knowledge in subject. But I think, I will get over this problem. Thanks for this post.
Writing is not easy , but with time you get better ,also your site visitors many times will tell you what they are interested in, so that helps with the writing process
There are so many of us now writing, that it is always an inspiration when i come across articles that look to widen their boundary surrounding their vocabulary.
Gr8 advice. Thanx a bunch!
As a guy who loves brevity. This is an A +
Someone once said that writer’s block is actually “lazy research syndrome.”
Wow – probably the most helpful advice about writing that I’ve ever seen…
I first got a hint of this from the movie “Throw Mama From The Train.” One of the characters teaches writing, and he would repeat “writers write.”
Yeah a good writer should be writing. Because this is what he’s ment to do! So if he isn’t writing all day he’s not a good writer
Very nice post
thank you
always remind yourself keep writing.
Keep keeping on.
Write for the intended audience, not your ego and not with keyword stuffed dribble.
I guess that’s one way to improve. Writing is the gateway to knowledge
Practice makes perfect! Applies to other fields and professions too.
superb, great advice. its exactly what i need to hear.
Great advice, Brian.
I realized that long time ago and started my blog. I hope that this strategy will pay off.
Brian, you did it .. but why 10 only?
kidding…
you could make them even 100…
write… write again
write at breakfast, write at brunch, write at lunch … write while sleeping ..
practice make the man perfect….
so your advice was great.
though i enjoy videoblogging, lately i have been working on my writing style.
i’m writing more and more each day.
researching. writing. revising. and more writing.
now, i writing text articles along with my videos blogs.
great post!
Thanks for this great post it really helps me a lot thanks
bookmarked !
Great post! Great humor! This is what I call a very good way of driving home an obvious point which most people understand but don’t want to accept! Indeed, practice makes a person perfect, or at least better!
As funny as this is, it the truth, mhmm, practice makes perfect.
hahaha, this post make me laugh, i like it… yeah just keep on writing..
Writing can be complicated, especially if you have a deadline! Great Article! Thanks!
I agree. Take a look at my first posts in my blog Gloson Blog. How childlike they are! Actually, I am a kid
Hi,
Well, when i first clicked on the link i was a little bit disappointed because i thought you might come up with a great technique that helps me to become a better writer but then i realized that this is the only way to become a better writer
so, thanks a lot
cya
Absolutely write, write, write. Doing so will help you become a better writer–to a point.
You have many ideas about which you want to write, but can you deliver them well? The writing quality and effectiveness is also important. Poor writing will cause the best ideas fail to make an impression on your readers.
Fortunately, writing training is available on the web for nearly no cost, such as Writing Tips for a Year and other resources.
I LOVE IT I LOVE IT I LOVE IT I LOVE IT!!!!
WHAT A GREAT IDEA!!!
Thank you for inspiring & motivating me…you are brilliant!!
Do you always get such a response from your posts?
You are obviously doing something ‘write’
Hello, such a great post, I think no body can give this idea as much simple as you gave, I really like it and also book marked
UGH. That is, unfortunately, exactly what I needed to read right now.
I took me a long time to catch on tho the value of this post. I have finally started writting everyday.
I can’t agree more!
Very good ! I agree the only way to improve whatever you are doing is keep it up! Keep doing!
LOL, brilliant! That really is the key.
Short and sweet.
Summaries the essence of everything.
hmm…i like #5
(I didn’t wanna write this by the way ; ))
In essence: stop thinking you can’t and start acting out the CAN.
websitePROFITS: Profit Boosting Tips in 37 words or less!
Among the previous 138 comments on a blog post as simple and profound as Churchill’s famous, simple, and profound “Never Give Up” speech, I missed any recommendation to read good copywriters.
Is Dickens as helpful as Bob Bly, Milton as Gary Halbert? The latter are copywriters, the former icons of English literature. If you’re doing copywriting or writing with the eventual goal of persuading or enticing, read those who have been there and done that.
Of course, if your business is selling poetry, by all means read Milton. If you’re in the business of “X,” by all means read good authors in the field of “X.”
Read relevant stuff.
Very informative – thanks for this.
Keep writing!
haha, good one. For blogs could work but I don’t think it would for writing books. Actually it would work for anything that gets better using “frequency over quality”.
Anyone who is interested in blogging or creating websites needs to write often and learn SEO. My days are spent researching, writing, linking and thinking. The next day, rinse and repeat. Yes, it is work, but work I love to do. Plus I get paid very well. Life is good for writers who now SEO. If you dont know SEO, good luck geting paid to wriet on the web thee days!!
Simple, quick but effective tips.
Did you also say I have to write sometimes ?
Could you be a bit clearer? I’m not sure what you’re trying to say.
While there is wisdom in “practice makes perfect”; you still need an aptitude for writing. Dwight Howard can shoot a million more free throws and he’ll probably get better right? But he’ll never be a great free throw shooter. Case in point: Shaq
I too was a bit disapointed when I first read the post and startd to click away. Then I decided to read the post and found that you inspired so many people to write a comment. How Brilliant is that? Thank you for the inspiration and I think all the comments are great! Right on (write on) umm…
How do you become a better writer? Answer: write, write, write. This is great. It brings to mind Stephen King’s book about writing. His answer to the question is…”Read more and Write more.” I think that says it all. How can you write anything if you don’t read anything.
This reminds me of when I was a Tae Kwon Do student – someone asked the instructor what the best kind of supplementary training was to help people get better at Tae Kwon Do and the instructor said ‘more Tae Kwon Do’.
Ha Ha, now what’s that?
I prefer to type.
This is great. Simple but effective. I think I’d better get to writing some more…
I was going to throw out the reading one, but somebody beat me too it…aww. Great post though, haha.
Also, read BOOKS and magazines and such. Printed things that are checked for grammar and spelling…
How do you spell that again?
just teasing. Was in middle of writing then distracted with brainstorming and ..and..
Agreed. Sometimes I think to much about something, when it comes down to it, just do it!
Well said. When I get my blog out of beta, my goal is to write one unique article everyday, complemented with 4-5 “news” articles.
This is great. Simple but effective. I think I’d better get to writing some more…
Definitely agree
Hey Brian,
The only surefire way to get better at something: do it a lot.
The more you do it, the stronger your base skill becomes. The stronger the foundation, the better your next level will be. Rinse and repeat to achieve each level of progress.
There are no tricks. Only conscious growth and repetition.
Great (and simple) reminder to just do it and not stop,
Oleg
Haha.. very funny.. Simple as it is..
This is very true. You need to just write even when you feel like it. I think it’s good to try and recognise what times of the day you are more motivated to write. For me, it’s earlier in the morning when everyone is sleeping and late at night. In the day, I seem to lag a bit and that’s when I sometimes take on other tasks such as uploading to a website that doesn’t require much creative power!
ok I will write more and more and more
No matter what they say…you know it’s the best advice. It’s really inspiring.
Thanks!
Nice…
At times we don’t feel like writing anything. However, once we sit and have MS Word open in front of us, ideas come automatically.
Very well said… At times, right thoughts or ideas come to you when you are not ready to write them down. So, instead of thinking that it’s better to wait until an idea hits you, it’s better to sit down and stare at the monitor… As you said Brain, Write, Write More and Write Even More… Great Post!
This is something really hard to do.
How come i can write anything when i really don’t have anything in my mind… this sounds quite confusing to me!
Hilarious. Writing is so simple based off this post!
ROFL it is what is. If you want to make money you are going to have to dedicated to writing even when write is not dedicated to you!
Wow. This is one of the best kept secrets of copywriting. Don’t bore your reader!
This is great. Simple but effective. I think I’d better get to writing some more…
Some great tips on this site for writing, need to get our sex toy guides done, so some good inspiration and help here.
shortest sweetest writing tip…just keep writing…
These words speak about one true: “If something is impossible, means it is necessary to work more”
The best tip here for me is, “write when you don’t want to.” I am one of the world’s best prevaricators. So, thanks for the swift kick up the pants.
I was rather amused upon reading some of the commenters who were surprised by this advice and felt the need to clarify that not everything they write is any good. Honestly, everyone knows that not every word written is publishable. That’s a given.
As for those who don’t think writer’s block is real, well I suppose that’s your opinion. Personally, I think whenever writing becomes particularly difficult, regardless of whether it’s because of outside pressures or otherwise, is writer’s block. I don’t know about other writers, but I don’t use it as an excuse. I use the fact that I managed to push through it as an achievement.
I liked this post. It was one of those clever little ones that stick in your mind. I tweeted it.
Yes, writing is deceptively simple in practice, but love your advice. I think I’d better get to back to writing, writing some and then keep writing..