There are several phases of learning how to write better and you’ll have to power through failure to get to ultimate success and proficiency. Feel like nothing is working and you just can’t seem to produce any good work? GOOD! That means you’re at phase 2 of the learning curve (You’re aware of your shortcomings and are at an extreme low).
Does that mean it’s time to give up? NO! That is the absolute lowest point of the learning curve and is a clear sign that there is only ‘up’ to go, no matter if you’re going forward or backward. If you’re going to have to do the work to be a better writer, you might as well choose to go up into the “more awesome” path. We’re waiting to see how you can change the world with your writing!
In this article, a gracious reader and champion for life-change was kind enough to do a little question and answer interview survey with me. I don’t claim to be the best interviewer in the world, but I do promise some good, raw, and honest answers from normal people like you and me. I do my best to NOT filter these answers, except for the bad words and hateful speech (which of course doesn’t happen often).
With that little blurb out of the way, let’s dive right into the content!
Today’s Topic: Writing Better (Take 1)
‘R’ = Richard N. Stephenson (me!)
‘I’ = Interviewee (anonymous by request unless otherwise noted)
[This interview is inspired and fueled by research done for my book: Quick Content Formula.]
R: Describe what writing better means to you.
I: Writing better means to me the ability to make your point to reader. Good writing captures the reader’s attention. It is also information and concise as possible.
R: Describe how writing better would be useful to people looking to change their lives/careers.
I: I think writing better is a good way to improve self and career because it indicates your level of intelligence. Also, it enables you to communicate better. Finally, it will I,prove your chances of getting hired compared to someone else.
R: Give an example of writing better being used that has inspired you (from either internet/mainstream media examples or personal examples).
I: Many authors have invoked in me a strong love for the outdoors and nature. An example of great writing to me is Jon Krakauer’s “Into the Wild”. The writing in this book has inspired me to go on journys in nature. I now love to lose myself in the great loneliness that exists deep in the woods.
R: How do you think a better understanding of writing better would help other people in their personal or professional life?
I: Yes, this form of writing could help because producing better content means that there will be more readers in which to interact. Understanding writing better means that ideas would be more clearly conveyed to the reader. With more of a clear understanding the database of internet users to the writing site if applicable would be increased to the satisfaction of the writer.
R: Give an example of how writing better has helped you professionally or personally.
I: Professionally – writing better has allowed me to accurately describe what I do and how that benefits my employer.Personally – writing has allowed me to empty my brain of the noise that can accumulate, which makes it easier to communicate with others.
R: Describe at least one way you think writing better could cause trouble or hurt someone in their personal or professional life.
I: Words carry a lot of meaning. Written words do not carry tone and inflection. There is a lot left up to the reader when emotion, tone and inflection are assumed and injected on their part. This in turn can distort the original meaning and end up causing harm or trouble.
R: Give an example of how writing better has hurt you or caused you trouble in the past.
I: I typed an email to a co-worker about an issue we had at work. It caused trouble because the tone was taken to be a little too harsh and the co-worker was offended. If I had just talked to her instead, we could have avoided a larger argument.
R: How do you think writing better could help you in a professional setting? Why is that?
I: I feel the better you write the more you will be able to access a variety of words. It will also open you up to speaking English better. This will wake you look smarter to your peers and bosses. You will also feel far more comfortable engaging in conversations making you more confident.
R: Give an example of how writing better could be useful at work. Why do you think this?
I: The whole premise of improved writing being useful at work seems obvious. If you are able to write using proper grammer, punctuation and sentence structure then co-workers will be able to understand and be proactive to your letters, emails or memos. Co-workers see a direct connection between your fluency and your intelligence. If you can’t put two words together, they will see you as incompetent.
R: How do you think writing better could help you at home? Why is that?
I: Leaving notes for the roommates. writing responses to emails and communicating how you feel in a better way. Would encourage you to be more efficient in communicating to others
R: Give an example of how writing better could be useful at home or in family life. Why do you think this?
I: Writing cards to loved ones in the family and at home could be useful if it were better. Sentiments and affections would be better communicated to portray inner feelings. This would improve relationships and foster positive connections in the family.
R: How do you think writing better could help you in a personal relationship? Why is that?
I: When you write better, you are able to communicate better. Communication is key in building and maintaining relationships. If you cannot communicate your relationship is doomed to fail.
R: Give an example of how writing better could be useful in a personal relationship. Why do you think this?
I: It could show the person you are writing to that you care.Better writing can help convey your thoughts and feelings.Sometimes you can write your thoughts better than you can say them out loud.
R: Describe at least one thing you would like to learn more about writing better.
I: Grammar. I have a hard time with tense structure. I love to write and express my ideas through written word, but I have a hard time with possessives and tense. I have my wife proof anything I write and that is what she always corrects.
R: Give your number one piece of advice for someone looking to learn more about writing better.
I: Use short sentences. This restriction ideally force a writer to simplify expression, to be clear and direct. The reader benefits from the reduction of clutter. Communication is focused.
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That’s it for now! I hope you enjoyed this interview conversation and found at least one useful bit of information you can immediately begin to apply in your life.
Also, if you’d like to figure out how to make a lot of great content for your own blog, website, school work, or email newsletters, then you might enjoy the Quick Content Formula. This is my own personal (and favorite!) method of creating highly engaging, fun, and useful information at a very quick pace. It’s a great way to beat that blinking cursor and write more awesome stuff. Click here to check it out.
Please share your thoughts, experiences, or your own interview answers and let’s share some real life wisdom, okay?