We love simple.
- Software that makes tasks easier
- Gadgets that organize our life
- Connection at our fingertips
One of the most visited posts at this blog is Why is it so Hard to Keep it Simple? There’s obviously an interest in simple.
So why do we make writing so complicated?
Defining Moments
I have always had a fascination with the written word.
- Words transport you to a new world
- Words embrace passion and let it free
Yet, we struggle when we gather words for writing.
Why is that?
- Are there too many rules?
- Have we run out of ideas?
- Are we afraid of failure?
Maybe we need to redefine writing.
Writing is the visual expression of what we feel.
It really is that simple.
Whether it’s a technical white paper or a personal journal, writing expresses what we feel about the subject.
If you don’t believe, your writing suffers.
It’s that concept that prompts this blog’s mantra to Keep it uniquely yours ~
Believe in your business. It shows.
Tricks of the Trade
I get that some of us have an easier time with writing than others. Some of us are better with math than others (guess which category I fall under).
I did better in math when I had formulas to follow. I guess it’s the way my brain is wired.
If you struggle with expressing yourself in the written word, try these tricks of the trade.
#1 – Word Lists
- Think of your topic – your product, your service – whatever
- Create a list – write down words that pop in your head related to your topic
- Free form – do not edit yourself – let the words flow
- Group the words – group words that seem to belong together
Still having trouble? Here is a pdf list of Descriptive Words for Business Writing to get the juices flowing.
#2 – Think Story
I know – it’s not a new idea.
But, some of us over-complicate that, too – think –
- Beginning
- Middle
- End
Simple, right?
Another way to develop your story is to give it a Story Spine, an idea developed by playwright, Kenn Adams.
The Platform
Once upon a time…
Everyday…
The Catalyst
But one day…
Then something changed…
The Consequences
Because of that…
And then…occurred
And then…
The Climax
Until finally…
Then suddenly…
The Resolution
Ever since then…
And the moral of the story is…
And the funny thing was…
#3 – Think Like a Journalist
Use the set of 6 questions journalists ask and see if your writing answers those questions.
- Who?
- What?
- Where?
- When?
- Why?
- How?
#4 – Litmus Test
As an alternative, use what I call my litmus test to make sure I am responding to the needs of the reader.
- Who are you?
- Why should I care?
- What problem(s) are you going to solve for me?
- What makes your product/service different from any other?
- Prove it.
Like any good magician, pick one trick first and work on it until you perfect it.
- If it’s not working, try another
- But, don’t over-think it
The Word Purist
I respect the rules for writing, but I don’t obsess over them.
Good grammar and sentence structure provide a solid framework for our words.
- I appreciate sites like Grammar Girl and Purdue Online Writing Lab (OWL)
- I also appreciate effective bending of the rules
Writing is about communicating.
- It defines how you feel about a subject
- Tricks of the trade and rules give it form
Find your balance to expression. It’s simpler than you think.
What helps you express yourself?
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Download the free ebook, How to be a Business Writing MVP: Your Playbook to Better Writing.
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Helping you Keep it simple, clear & uniquely yours – contact me for help with your business writing needs.
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I have never been at a loss for words- which seems to be a heritable trait- or, as my daughter intones- comes about because we each were required to write compositions, essays, and the like each and every day when we were younger. She is sure that’s why she can knock out her letters and reports in a jiffy. She learned- and honed the skills- over the decades. (And, is now doing so with her son- whose written vocabulary is limited to two and three letter words, but- watch out for the future…)
So, as Cathy said- write. Write often. And read other folks writings to see what works.
Great advice, Roy. Like my writer friend, Anne Wayman, says Write well and often. Anything you repeat often is bound to get easier.
Thanks for sharing your pearls, Roy. 😉
Hi Cathy,
Perhaps our struggle with writing comes from the way it is taught and evaluated from a very young age.
Even outside the classroom, there is a societal perception of writing as an exclusive skill.
Little by little as more and more people follow their dreams and decide to write, the perception will change to being less judgmental of ourselves and others.
Terri
These were some good ideas, Cathy! I’ve been fortunate enough that I don’t have a problem writing (perhaps writing too much??) and I always try to help people who get stuck in the “buts” – but I can’t… but it takes too long… but I don’t know what to write about.
The hardest part of writing should be the spell checking. When it comes to writing you hit the nail on the head – you’ve got to care about it. If it’s writing about your business, you’ve got to care about your business. I bet the same people who say they can’t write could sit at the dinner table and spend an hour telling stories about their day at work or their business.
For people who are stuck I tell them 2 things to start with:
1. Walk around with a pen or recording device at all times. Any time you hear so much as an interesting word, write it down. Note quotes, things people say, things people do, things that strike you or ideas you have. any and all things. Sometimes writing is just as simple as getting that first spark of interest.
2. Video! People who complain about not being able write usually don’t have a problem talking. So talk it out. You can always video-blog or simply transcribe what you said into writing.
Hi Terri:
I suspect you’re right that much has to do with how it was taught or how we were raised regarding writing. Like Roy, I, too, was always subjected to a lot of writing, and as an avid reader, it inspired me to want to do the same.
I appreciate you coming by and commenting,Terri. See you at the Forum. 🙂
Two excellent ideas, Carol Lynn! I walk every day (except for days like today when it’s POURING). 🙂 My best inspiration comes from those walks. I record thoughts in my Blackberry. Nothing like nature and exercise to get the writing juices flowing.
Thanks for sharing those tips. 🙂
Cathy, is writing the visual expression or the symbolic expression, or maybe both?
Writing has always been easy for me too… except when I think I’ve got to get fancy or formal or something other than me.
Oh, good question, Anne. I think both. In the literal versus the symbolic. Sometimes, writing is raw expression and other times a symbolic expression of what we feel. How’s that for a little Friday philosophy? 🙂
And your being me is pretty darn great. 🙂
Cathy, its more than writing that we complicate. You said we want tools to simplify our life and yet why do we need so many of these tools? Have we really got more time because of the time saving devices? Do we value it more? And while writing is hard or easy for some people, if one wants to write then doing it is the only way. If one wants to bake then baking is the only way and if one wants to do anything you just have to GOYA
Hi Roberta: I agree that we can “overdo” the tools-just as we can overdo social media and many other “tools”.
I am a full supporter of the just do it philosophy. And I have to confess, I had to look up what the acronym GOYA meant. 🙂 Text shortcuts are not my thing – it’s an age thing. 🙂
Thanks, Roberta.
P.S. Guess I should have read your blog post 1st. 🙂
Cathy, it’s great to have some tips from a pro. Even though I can spin a yarn, I have a tougher time with tutorials.
As an experiment, I’m going to create a Spine-tingling Software Story.
(See what I mean? I’m such a nut.)
Cheers,
Mitch
Puh-leeze, Mitch. You are one of the most gifted writers I know. If anyone could write a spine-tingling software story, you could! I’d read it for sure. 🙂