Ask HN: How can I improve my writing

I have trouble writing. It is hard to get ideas out of my head onto paper. For example this paragraph I have re-written multiple times from scratch. Many of the times I do not know where to start, or how to express a simple idea effectively on paper.

I have been working on my side project NearBeach (https://github.com/robotichead/NearBeach) for a few years now, and I still do not know how to write it's blog posts or documentation. A good example of my skill would be the following links;

- Documentation https://nearbeach.readthedocs.io - https://nearbeach.org/index.php/2020/03/10/nearbeach-beta/

My first opinion of my writing skill is that it does not flow and seems very UN-professional.

Thank you for your advice

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 satisfied. And have patience with the process.

## 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. Then write a question that answer raises. Then write an answer. Then write a question like "How can you be so sure of that?" then write an answer. Unlike TDD, don't try too hard design, just keep that cycle going. Just keep typing.

Question Driven Drafting like this is a one way to get words on paper even if you are currently feeling despair or self-hatred or confusion: Explicitly have a debate with your self-doubts. Be sure to do some physical exercise to clear your mind after that sort of thing though.

As humans, we are socially motivated to communicate. All of these techniques aim to imitate that. However, you might find that the most helpful thing is to teach someone or to get on an an internet forum and pontificate.

## 2. Find the structure of the ideas.

A successful result at this stage looks like a bunch of topic headings in a layout that makes sense to you.

Look through them identify the "why". What situation does someone come to your writing with? What do you want someone to walk away from your writing with? Why would they be motivated to learn that?

Write section headings to form your ideas into either a pyramid or a Hero's Journey or some other traditional structure that will help your brain "chunk" them.

Either create an outline or directly push your clay into that shape.

## 3. Notice holes and fill them.

A successful result at this stage looks like text that flows in a way that makes sense to you.

If you notice that there is an image you need, sketch it on paper or whiteboard or https://jspaint.app/. You can hire a professional later if that matters. Do a few pomodoros where you repeat step 1.

To get better at this, play the board game Concept[1].

## 4. Create a good User Experience out of words.

A successful result at this stage looks like a text which is well structured to introduce relevant ideas into the Verbal Loop[1] of the reader's Working Memory in an order that "chunks" often enough that it doesn't OOMkill or having broken links.

Follow the advice from Style: Towards Clarity and Grace https://sites.duke.edu/niou/files/2014/07/WilliamsJosephM199...

Edit your work multiple times.

[1] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XiB9BvEpYFE

[2] https://psychologyhub.co.uk/the-working-memory-model-central...