Am Writing

‘You fail only if you stop writing.’ Ray Bradbury

1. The only way to get better at writing is to write. The only way to be a writer is to write. Your words can only come to life if you put them on a page. Stop talking or thinking about writing, and start writing.

2. Writing is risky; it can be painful. You put your ideas out into the world, and not everyone will like them. Stop worrying what other people might think about your writing. Accept that you cannot control your readers.

3. Writing is never about the writer, it is always about the reader. If you catch yourself writing something that makes you feel good, stop and write something that will make your reader feel good instead. Your readers bring your writing to life. Treat them with respect.

4. Say the most you can with the least words. Kill your little darlings. Cut, cut, cut again until all that remains is all that is required. Be ruthless. Don’t waste your reader’s time.

5. Voice will out. There is no hiding place in words. Treat your readers as your equals, because that is what they are. Don’t try to command or control them – play with them instead. It’s much more fun for everyone.

‘One day I will find the right words, and they will be simple.’ Jack Kerouac

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