In this episode of Create Like the Greats, Ross sits down with Erica Schneider, an experienced editor and founder of the program Cut the Fluff, who shares her journey as an online writer and entrepreneur. Erica provides valuable insights into the world of writing and editing, emphasizing the importance of clear thinking in writing, the impact of AI on copywriting, and the significance of finding balance in work and family life. 

Key Takeaways and Insights

1. Journey to Becoming a Writer

Erica discovered her passion for writing in high school and ventured into SEO blog writing through platforms like Upwork. She persevered and gained valuable experience working as an English teacher in Thailand. This diverse background gave her a unique perspective and a solid foundation for her career in writing.

2. A Path to Good Writing

Good writing is good thinking, but not all thinking is clear thinking. Many writers make the mistake of trying to edit themselves while writing, leading to confusion and poor-quality content. Erica Schneider's expertise lies in helping writers master the art of editing by separating the writing and editing processes. By stressing the importance of clear thinking, she empowers writers to produce high-quality, concise, and engaging content.

3. The Art of the Hook: Writing Engaging Content

Erica shares insights into crafting captivating hooks in writing. By practicing and learning from failures, writers can enhance their ability to create compelling introductions. Erica suggests finding an accountability buddy to review and critique each other's work, a process that helps writers better understand their strengths and weaknesses. Mastering the art of writing effective hooks is essential for capturing readers' attention and encouraging further engagement.

4. AI and Copywriting: Embracing the Future

Erica delves into the impact of AI on the field of copywriting. While AI tools can offer valuable assistance with generating ideas and crafting headlines, Erica emphasizes the importance of personal touch and human creativity in writing. By combining the efficiency of AI tools with their own unique writing style, writers can optimize their content creation process and produce engaging and tailored copy.

Resources

Long to Short - https://long-to-short.com/

Cut the Fluff - https://cut-the-fluff.ck.page/

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