the art of writing
Many of your friends will be afraid to give you harsh feedback. Remedy that by asking: “What’s the 10% I need to keep, no matter what? A followup question: “What’s the 10% I’ll cut, if I absolutely had to cut?” (Got this from my interview with Tim Ferris
David Perell • 31 Ways to Improve Your Writing
Editing tip. Feedback tip. Writing
You don’t have writer’s block. You’re just scared to say what you actually think. As my friend Jeremy Giffon says: “The best writing prompt for when I'm stuck is simply ‘be more honest.”
David Perell • 31 Ways to Improve Your Writing
Be more honest with your writing. Writing tip
An empty white page is a mirror into your mind. When the ideas in your mind are clouded, so are the words on the page in front of you. Re-writing is re-thinking. It’s the best single best way to sharpen your ideas. And once your ideas are as clear as a Neiman Marcus mirror, you’ll be able to teach them to others.
David Perell • Daily Writing #2: Why You Should Write
Powerful. Writers block. Thoughts. Thinking
You can almost always improve your writing by being more specific. Don’t write “I got in my car” when you can write “I got in my ‘65 Mustang.”
David Perell • 31 Ways to Improve Your Writing
Writing tip
Concrete writing resonates. Abstract writing puts people to sleep. Bring your words to life by making them vivid and tangible. Use specific examples. Talk about things people can see, touch, taste, smell, and hear.
David Perell • 31 Ways to Improve Your Writing
Make it vivid. Writing tip.
I write so I don't sound like an idiot when I speak." —Charlie Bleecker
julian.com • The Writing Well Handbook
Writing quote