ML19: How To Become a Better Writer

Aug 23, 2016

Discover how writing is a skill built through research, storytelling, and organization. Learn to tackle writer's block and embrace imperfection, helping you find your voice. Cultivating a unique style is essential, so pick up techniques for imitation and practice. The power of extensive reading is emphasized to elevate your writing. Get practical strategies to enhance your craft and communicate effectively, whether for work or personal projects.

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INSIGHT

Writing Is A Learnable Skill

Writing is a learnable skill built from research, storytelling, and organising ideas.
Deliberate practice across those components improves writing rapidly.

insights

INSIGHT

Writing Sharpens Thinking

Writing improves thinking because the words you use to write are the same words you use to think.
Better writing strengthens argument-building, pattern finding, and idea connection.

insights

INSIGHT

Modern Life Is Dominated By Writing

We write more than ever: emails, messages, proposals and project updates dominate modern work.
Poor writing risks misinterpretation because it lacks vocal tone and body language.

Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode

Overcoming Mental Barriers and Enhancing the Writing Process

04:10 • 6min

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Overcoming Writer's Block and Embracing Imperfection

10:05 • 4min

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Crafting Your Unique Writing Style

13:52 • 6min

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Unlocking the Secrets to Memorable Writing

20:10 • 5min

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#293

• Mentioned in 61 episodes

Made to Stick

Why Some Ideas Survive and Others Die

Chip Heath

Dan Heath

In this book, Chip and Dan Heath explore the anatomy of ideas that stick and provide methods to make ideas more memorable. They introduce the SUCCESs formula, which stands for Simple, Unexpected, Concrete, Credible, Emotional, and Stories. The book is filled with examples from urban legends, business stories, and personal anecdotes, demonstrating how these traits can be applied to make any idea stickier. It is particularly useful for anyone interested in influencing others, whether in business, education, or other fields.

#1565

• Mentioned in 18 episodes

Originally written by William Strunk Jr. in 1918, 'The Elements of Style' is a comprehensive guide to writing in English. The book was later revised and expanded by E.B. White in 1959. It covers elementary rules of usage, principles of composition, matters of form, and commonly misused words and expressions. The guide is renowned for its emphasis on clear, concise, and vigorous writing, advising writers to omit needless words, use the active voice, and employ parallelism appropriately. The book has become a staple in U.S. high school and university composition classes and is widely regarded as one of the most influential non-fiction books written in English since 1923.

#142

• Mentioned in 102 episodes

On Writing

A Memoir of the Craft

Stephen King

This book is both a memoir and a writing guide. It details Stephen King's life, from his childhood and early writing endeavors to his struggles with addiction and his near-fatal accident in 1999. The book is divided into sections that cover King's life ('C. V. '), the nature of writing ('What Writing Is'), writing mechanics ('Toolbox'), his advice on the craft ('On Writing'), and his recovery from the accident ('On Living: A Postscript'). King offers practical tips on writing, including the importance of vocabulary, grammar, and style, as well as the need for consistent writing routines and ruthless editing. He emphasizes that good writing comes from within, driven by curiosity, wonder, and emotional honesty rather than commercial motives.

#142

• Mentioned in 102 episodes

On Writing

A Memoir of the Craft

Stephen King

#26

• Mentioned in 247 episodes

The War of Art

Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles

Steven Pressfield

In 'The War of Art', Steven Pressfield identifies the internal force of 'Resistance' that hinders creative endeavors. The book is divided into three sections: 'Resistance: Defining the Enemy', 'Combating Resistance: Turning Pro', and a final section that discusses the role of the muses and the battle between the Self and the Ego. Pressfield provides practical advice on recognizing and overcoming resistance, emphasizing the importance of professionalism, discipline, and continuous work in achieving creative success.

While it may be difficult to put your finger on that special something that geniuses like Tolstoy or Shakespeare had, being able to communicate well in writing is a skill that can be learned like any other.

If we deconstruct the art of writing, its three main components are research, storytelling and the organisation of ideas. So if you can develop these skills by putting in consistent deliberate practice, you’re going to become a better writer.

In this episode I show you how to become a better writer by presenting the tools and techniques needed to improve rapidly.

Plus I answer your questions including:

- What tips have you got for getting over writer's block? - How do you develop your own unique style as a writer? - What are the principles that everyone should apply to become a better writer?

So whether you're looking to improve your written communication at work, or improve your writing skills for a blog you're starting this episode will give you actionable strategies you can apply straight away.

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