11–20 of 29 posts
Separate out the phases of the writing process. Do one then the next in explicit phases: ## 1. Get ideas out. A successful result at this stage looks like a pile of messy clay. Set a timer and just keep typing for 20 minutes pomodoro-style. Maybe download http://otter.ai/ and talk to yourself while you exercise. If you really feel stuck, then imitate Test Driven Development: Write a question. Then write an answer. Th…
Separate out the phases of the writing process. Do one then the next in explicit phases: ## 1. Get ideas out. A successful result at this stage looks like a pile of messy clay. Set a timer and just keep typing for 20 minutes pomodoro-style. Maybe download http://otter.ai/ and talk to yourself while you exercise. If you really feel stuck, then imitate Test Driven Development: Write a question. Then write an answer. Th…
Thank you
> ... have re-written multiple times from scratch. It is the "from scratch" part that is troublesome. Most writers don't write perfect copy on their first attempt. So to get rolling, just get the words out, and don't expect it to be great. Then start refining it. Don't throw it out... just improve. Simplify the wording. Remove unnecessary words and phrases. Change the order of sentences. Keep iterating until you are…
I throw out stuff because it does not either make sense or flow for me. Or I feel it is not the best way to start a paragraph/essay
Based on your other comments, you're already starting with drafting, which is great. The next step is to learn to revise well so you feel more comfortable with your early attempts and don't need to toss them out.
The book _Style: Lessons in Clarity and Grace_ by Williams and Bizup is about how to rework a draft into something more coherent. They talk about revising sentences, and paragraphs, and then whole structures to be as coherent as possible.
Once you have a mental model for how people read, and what makes reading easier or harder, it's easier to get into the habit of writing and revising. Then you get stuff out of your head and revise it until it's in a form you're happy with. Rinse and repeat.
The best book on writing that I have read is On Writing Well, by William Zinsser. It's short and very accessible. Zinsser does a great job of laying out why writing is so hard and how to tackle everything from fiction writing to non-fiction technical writing. You can finish the book in a weekend of leisurely reading and come back to it as often as you like.
Zinsser's main point, which I agree with wholeheartedly, is that great writing is really about great re-writing. Edit mercilessly, remove unnecessary words and phrases, and focus on getting your point across in a clear manner. Remove jargon wherever possible. If you take the time to re-read and re-write your work several times over, you can't help but create something better than you started with.
2. While reading writing books can be helpful, critical feedback will help far more. Either get someone in your organization to give feedback on your professional writing, or get a friend to critique your side project writing, or go on a subreddit like https://www.reddit.com/r/KeepWriting/ and get feedback on writing you are comfortable releasing to the public.
Remember, you don't have to take everyone's feedback. But listen to it, and use it to learn how to critique your own writing.