Thursday, January 22, 2015

Challenge: Writing



In grade school I always made good grades when it came to writing, and for the most part in college too. Although, I did leave Dr. H & Dr. A's classes in tears on occasion. 

But I don't think that I ever truly pushed myself to be a better writer, and I quickly took on the mindset that I wasn't a good one. However, I was smart enough to ask for help, and thanks to a book my boss gave me, I now realize that "great" writing has far more to do with the process than it does with the words you put on the paper. Don't get me wrong, that is still VERY important.

Everybody Writes by Ann Handley can give even the most apprehensive writer the confidence to tackle any assignment.

There are two things from this book that truly changed my perception and my writing.

1. The Ugly First Draft

  • I have a confession, unless required by school, I (used to) never write a first draft. *GASP* I'm probably the minority when it comes to this, but it's true. As a teacher's kid. I could spell and use proper grammar, before I probably needed to, and I would develop that information as I went and then review one time and wash my hands of it. In Everybody Writes, Handley encourages you to go against this conventional style and
2. The Writing GPS
  • I won't give everything away, because that's Handley's job, but I will say that this section of the book helped me to see what my writing was missing. I was having a hard time seeing the holes in my content, and it was like a light bulb went off after reading this chapter. 
If you want to be a better writer, or if you're just feeling uninspired about it, I encourage you to delve into this book. I promise your writing won't be the same and your content and your audience will be better for it. 

Write on,
M

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