How to write a meaningful article in 10 minutes? (for non-writers)
Wednesday: March 27, 5.35AM, Let’s go!
Just like any physical activity, good writing starts with a warm-up. But for writing, the warm-up happens throughout the day, not just when you punch the keyboard. Writing ideation is influenced by content you consume, be it the books you read, podcasts you listen to, or that sudden flash of insight in the shower. Most of these tend to fade away from our memories, but a few stick. The ones that stick form the foundation of your writing.
Here is a three step framework for writing
Pick a topic — Go deep and then scale.
Writing can feel overwhelming with variety of potential topics. The key to success lies in picking the topic you are knowledgeable and genuinely interested in. This could be your day job, an extracurricular activity, or a recent subject that captured your excitement. The guiding principle is to stick to a few themes where you consider yourself as an expert. In my case, I generally talk about data & engineering (my work), running (my hobby), self improvement (things I read about). Focus on a few themes before you go broad and generalized.
Value first, Audience Next
I’m antithetical to the idea that one needs to start with audience first mindset, since I believe audience is just an outcome of the value one provides. So, focus on the input, which is “value”, and the output “audience” will follow suit. Take running, for example. If you share your expertise and passion for the sport, runners will gravitate towards your content.Instead of focusing on what ticks my audience, think about what value you as an individual could provide. Originality is key! Don’t just rehash what’s already been said. What unique perspective or creative spin can you contribute to the conversation?
Just write
If you’re not writing for living, consider it a liberating chance to share your thoughts and connect with the world. Don’t fret about Google rankings, or viewership. Sharing ideas can be therapeutic. The key is to be consistent with it, even if that means writing just 100 words a day.
Alright, this took me a little over 10 minutes. Any tips to make the transitions smoother? Also, open to any general writing advice.
THE END Wednesday: March 27, 5.46AM
