avatarDavid McIlroy

Summary

"Just Write" encourages writers to write regularly and without overthinking, as consistent practice is key to improvement and success.

Abstract

The article "Just Write" emphasizes the simplicity and effectiveness of regular writing as a tool for writers. It suggests that writing daily, or at least most days, is crucial for developing the skill and forming a habit, much like exercising a muscle. The piece cites Ray Bradbury, who advocated for daily writing and reading to foster a fulfilling writing career. The author, David McIlroy, argues that writing is not just about productivity but also serves as a form of therapy and creativity. He encourages writers to make time for writing, be patient with their progress, and not to strive for perfection on the first try. The article also promotes McIlroy's Substack communities for further engagement with writing advice.

Opinions

  • Writing regularly is the best advice for writers, as it strengthens their ability to express themselves.
  • Consistency in writing is a major challenge, but it's what distinguishes successful writers from others.
  • Writing is compared to an invisible muscle that becomes stronger and more efficient with frequent use.
  • The act of writing is seen as therapeutic and a means of problem-solving through creativity.
  • The article suggests that writing does not need to be a daily activity, but it should be a frequent one to develop it into a habit.
  • The author quotes Ray Bradbury, reinforcing the idea that daily writing and reading lead to a pleasant writing career.
  • The article promotes a formula for writer's contentment: consistent writing, intense reading, and having fluid expectations.
  • Writers are encouraged to be patient and not overly critical of their first drafts.
  • Readers are invited to join David McIlroy's Substack communities for more insights on writing and solopreneurship.

Just Write

Stop overthinking it.

Canva image.

“Just write” is the best advice any writer can give another writer.

It’s stupidly, gloriously simple.

If you have something to express to the world, just get it down on paper (or a screen) as soon as you can.

Author Ray Bradbury once said:

“Just write every day of your life. Read intensely. Then see what happens. Most of my friends who are put on that diet have very pleasant careers.”

Writing’s like working an invisible muscle. The more often you do it, the stronger that muscle becomes. And the stronger it becomes, the easier it is to write.

Easier. Faster. Better.

One of the major hurdles most writers just can’t get past is the struggle for consistency. Mastering the ability to spend more days writing than not writing is what sets the few who succeed long-term apart from the many who don’t.

You don’t have to write every single day of your life (nor should you), but you do have to write most days, if you want to turn it into an unbreakable, life-affirming habit.

Writing is a release. It’s therapy. It’s experimentation and problem-solving through the outpouring of creativity, hope, despair, and everything else in between.

If you’re a writer and you want to write, then do it.

Just. Write.

Make space for it in your day. Stay by your keyboard even when the words don’t come immediately. When they do come, don’t beat yourself up when they don’t arrange themselves perfectly the first time round.

Bradbury’s quote is a formula, and it looks like this:

Consistent writing + intense reading + fluid expectations = contentment

And it sounds pretty darn good to me.

Don’t overthink it.

Just write.

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