Summary

The article emphasizes the importance of learning the fundamentals of writing over the commonly advised practice of writing every day to improve writing skills.

Abstract

The author shares their personal experience of receiving critical feedback on their writing despite adhering to the popular advice of writing daily. This led to a realization that while daily writing helps establish a routine, it's insufficient for skill improvement. The article argues that understanding basic writing rules, such as punctuation, clarity, and storytelling, is crucial for becoming a better writer. It suggests that editors value adherence to these rules over the mere habit of daily writing. The author encourages writers to actively learn these rules, compare their work to great literature, and seek out resources and mentors in the writing community to enhance their craft.

Opinions

Daily writing alone is not enough to improve writing skills; learning the rules of writing is essential.
Editors prioritize the application of writing rules over the frequency of writing.
Mastering persuasive storytelling and other writing techniques is more beneficial than just maintaining a writing routine.
The success of well-written articles and books, despite the distractions of modern media, underscores the importance of learning how to write effectively.
Writers should actively seek education through courses, books, and advice from experienced writers to develop their skills.
Copying the style of successful writers without understanding their methods is not as effective as learning directly from them.

The Most Underrated Writing Tip That Beats ‘Write Every Day’ and Improves Your Writing

Learn how to write, every day

I read if I wanted to become a better writer, I had to write every day. In response, I had written at least one 1000-word article each of the last 18 days. After conquering my fears, I submitted one of those pieces for review.

Three days later, an editor gave me some good feedback on it. He apologized for leaving thirteen comments on my article, while he pointed out what I did wrong. Valuable feedback. But even better, a real turning point.

With my tail between my legs, I went to bed, vowing to bounce back stronger. After tossing and turning in bed for hours — crushed by the comments on my terrible writing — I gave up on sleep.

Bent on righting the wrongs with my writing, I made a beeline for my desk. On my way, I flipped the white light switch on the west-facing wall, lighting up the LED light bulb extending from the ceiling. I put my Droid Turbo 2 on silent, fired up my laptop, and began to read Good With Words by Professor Patrick Barry of the University of Michigan.

I was amazed to discover that a lot of the things the editor mentioned were writing 101. But I also knew I never bothered to learn these rules when I started. All I cared about was writing every day, as I had learned from some experts.

Why you have to learn how to write

It’s a sure way to get better

I want to become a better writer, don’t you? When I looked up how to become a better writer, the overwhelming advice was to write every day. A lot of writers swear by it, and I can see why.

But they are wrong. About all it does is help you establish a routine, which is a good starting point. I have started enjoying that benefit. But there’s more to becoming a better writer than a daily routine.

The way to become a better writer is to learn how to write well. Basic rules like punctuation, clarity, coherence, emphasis, and transition should be at your fingertips. Mastering persuasive storytelling should also be among the goals you should be pursuing.

Isn’t it the same in every other endeavor? The Rock didn’t become the actor he is by just acting every day. He likely learned a lot about direction, movement, body language, and energy. Unless you read writing in school, you must, at least, learn some of the basic rules of engagement.

Editors, editors, editors

Editors don’t care that you write every day; they care that you follow the writing rules. Shoot any editor a note for confirmation, and tell me I’m wrong. Since they know a lot of these rules, it is easy for editors to detect when a writer breaks them or fails to apply them at all.

Think of an editor as a police officer that directs traffic in town. Most of the drivers know how to drive. But someone has to ensure that no driver crosses the red light or does 100mph downtown.

To be on the editor’s side, never stop learning the rules of writing, never stop applying them. Over time, you will develop the muscle to apply clarity them with little effort, and the skill to use them with great style.

But how do you even know these rules, let alone follow them, without learning?

You won’t have it like others did

I have read about how a few not so well-written articles and books have gone viral. But I will contend they’re the exception, not the norm. You likely don’t have the luxury of raving fans who’ll forgive you for writing too many average pieces.

Realize that if your headline is a confusing mess, readers will scroll past it like a Trojan horse. If your intro is so-so, the reader is happy enough to move to someone else’s article. You do it too, don’t you?

You can blame Instagram and TikTok for making people read less all you want, but the great books manage to sell thousands, if not millions of copies. And they enjoy lots of 5-star reviews on Amazon.

Despite the distractions readers face, the well-written articles attract thousands of reads. That’s why you have to learn how to write. Cultivate the desire to put in a little effort, and big rewards will you have the pleasure to reap.

How to learn how to write

Having discussed the need to learn how to write, what actionable steps you can you take in that respect?

Decide on what you want to write

Well, the first question to answer is what you want to write. Is it fiction, non-fiction, poetry, epic blog posts, or copy? In 2020, there are more resources on writing than you can ever use. I have chosen to learn how to write great blog posts.

Look for useful tools and resources

Once you settle on what you want to write to write, now you can start looking for the resources you will need. I began by enrolling in a few MOOCs on Coursera to learn non-fiction writing and editing.

In one of those courses, the instructor recommended some helpful resources. My personal favorite among the recommendations for learning how to write headlines was magazines. I have started scouring my dad’s dusty garage for old magazines, to study the art of writing great headlines.

Talk to other writers

There are also a lot of experts on writing from whom you can always learn. You may try to copy their style all you want, as people advise, but you’re better off asking them how they do it.

You will better understand the method to their madness, rather than copying without the proper context. You’ll get a feel of how they draw readers into their stories, and how they hold readers’ attention, for example.

Not fun and sexy stuff to learn, but a lot of the time, to learn is not fun and sexy.

Takeaways

Write every day will help you build habits and consistency. Those are like essential tools every writer needs in their toolbox. But you don’t become a better writer just by writing every day. You get better by learning how to write. Learning how to write is like learning which tool to use, when.

You have to familiarize yourself with the rules of writing if you want to get better. Take courses, read books, study the works of other writers to learn how. Write every day. But even better, every day, learn how to write.