Become a Memorable Writer With Tim Denning’s 7 Top Tips

Seven great writing tips from a free Tim Denning Webinar

Last week, I jumped on a free masterclass with Tim Denning.

It was 10 pm UK time, and getting late. So I joined the call, put my phone on my bedstand and sat back to listen.

But here’s the thing: I couldn't.

Within five minutes, my bedside light was on.

And there I was, scribbling down notes like a mad scientist who had stumbled upon a new formula.

So, for those of you who missed it, here are the key takeaways.

These are juicy…

1. The Right Tool is a Myth

Imagine you’re at the best buffet in town.

A whole cuisine of exotic and finely cooked foods surrounds you.

And as you decipher where to start, the best foods start getting taken. Until, to your surprise, there isn't much left.

This is what it’s like when you spend hours searching for the best platform to write on.

• Medium
• Substack
• Beehive

The list goes on.

But in the words of Tim Denning, ‘The right tool is a myth’.

If, like me, you write part-time and have commitments as long as your arm, your time is precious.

Don't waste it looking for the perfect tool.

Instead, pick one and put all your energy into becoming the most skilled tradesman.

A great worker never blames their tools.

2. Be a Bold Writer

Fortune favours the bold.

Or, in your case, the bold writers.

See, the internet is awash with tons of regurgitated advice telling people what to do and what to avoid.

I'd be lying if I said I haven't contributed to it.

But if you want to make a dent in the writing world, you have to be bold.

Try this little exercise:

• Think of something that most people believe strongly in.
• Now, think of somewhere you disagree.
• Then, formulate a connection.

It should look something like these examples:

• ‘I believe cats are better than dogs’
• ‘A messy desk is better than a pristine one’
• ‘Walking meetings are better than boardrooms’.

Your writing has to go beyond the surface level we read daily.

People want opinions and stories. We want things that stand out and make us think.

This article by Tim is a perfect example of challenging the norm in a positive light:

3. You're in The Top 1% and You Don’t Know it

Writing online is tough.

But only because we’re tough on ourselves.

The Dunning-Kruger effect is a psychological phenomenon that suggests people with lower levels of competence overestimate their abilities. Whereas people who are highly competent are more likely to underestimate theirs.

But here’s the thing.

The more you write online and the more competent you become, the more the Kruger effect creeps in.

That's why you feel further behind despite having more followers, better engagement and more cohesive writing.

Go easier on yourself.

If you're writing and sharing daily, you’re in the top 1%.

I know it doesn't feel like it, but you’re further ahead than you realise.

4. Book a 1-Hour Daily Meeting With Yourself

Most routines are bullshit.

Yesterday I was speaking to a guy who was explaining his morning routine.

Wake, cold-shower, meditate, work out, journal, supplements…

He was three hours into his day, sleep-deprived from his 4:30 alarm, and he hadn't done any work.

See, routines aren't about optimising every hour of your day. They’re about optimising the one thing that needs doing.

And if you want to be a writer, that means writing.

Try booking a one-hour meeting with yourself per day. No phones, no distractions, just time to write.

5. Take Your Audience Offline

Social platforms are amazing.

But they’re one part of a bigger puzzle.

A newsletter allows you to share your best insights with your audience. Having your own distribution medium gives you control and creates a win-win scenario for your reader.

The best time to start a newsletter is yesterday.

6. Relatability is Your Superpower

We’re all fed up with experts.

Big egos and bullish bosses telling us what to do.

People resonate with people who are relatable. We want stories from the mum who left her job and the guy who founded the startup in his basement.

Your reliability is your superpower, but we’re conditioned into shying away from it.

One of my best-performing articles was one where I shouted about earning $10. Not $1 million; $10.

Be relatable. It’s your superpower.

7. Maintain Your Energy

Writing online is a game of attrition.

You win by being consistent for a number of years and slowly improving as you go.

But there's something obvious that we miss.

You have to preserve your energy.

I started writing last year, and most people who started with me have quit. Not because they weren't good writers or because they fell out of love, but because they went too hard too early.

They didn't preserve their energy.

If you want to stay in the game for years to come, you need to look after your mind and body.

• Eat nutritious food.
• Prioritise high-quality sleep.
• Avoid fake energy like sugar and processed carbs.

Writers like Tim show up day after day for a decade because they look after themselves.

‘Take care of your body. It’s the only place you have to live.’

Jim Rohn

Thanks for reading.

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