Over 1.2 million people have seen my tweets in the last 4 weeks.
The crazy part? I only started tweeting 6 weeks ago.
Here are 6 lessons on writing effectively:
The crazy part? I only started tweeting 6 weeks ago.
Here are 6 lessons on writing effectively:
1. Write simply and clearly.
The best way to write simply and clearly is to use fewer words:
In the event of → if
All the time → always
Along the lines of → like
Due to the fact that → because
In spite of the fact that → although
The best way to write simply and clearly is to use fewer words:
In the event of → if
All the time → always
Along the lines of → like
Due to the fact that → because
In spite of the fact that → although
2. Optimize for emotion.
Good writing makes you think.
Great writing makes you feel.
Before you write, think about what emotion you want every sentence to invoke in the reader's mind.
Good writing makes you think.
Great writing makes you feel.
Before you write, think about what emotion you want every sentence to invoke in the reader's mind.
3. Write the way you speak in real life.
"She's reading a book."
means the same as
"The book is being read by her."
But the first sentence just sounds right because that's how people speak in a real conversation.
"She's reading a book."
means the same as
"The book is being read by her."
But the first sentence just sounds right because that's how people speak in a real conversation.
4. Rewrite. Rewrite. Rewrite.
"The first draft of anything is shit" - Ernest Hemmingway
"Good writing is essentially rewriting" - Roald Dahl
I rewrote this thread 4 times before tweeting it.
With every rewrite of your first draft, you slowly polish your coal into a diamond.
"The first draft of anything is shit" - Ernest Hemmingway
"Good writing is essentially rewriting" - Roald Dahl
I rewrote this thread 4 times before tweeting it.
With every rewrite of your first draft, you slowly polish your coal into a diamond.
5. Imitate, then innovate.
The greatest artists & writers in history found their style by imitating their favourites.
Below are some examples of Van Gogh imitating his favourite artists.
The easiest way to find your writing style is by imitating writers you enjoy reading.
The greatest artists & writers in history found their style by imitating their favourites.
Below are some examples of Van Gogh imitating his favourite artists.
The easiest way to find your writing style is by imitating writers you enjoy reading.
6. Just start.
Preparation is overrated. Practice is underrated.
I started writing 6 weeks ago. I wish I'd started 6 years ago.
Write something today and tweet it out. And keep doing it till you get better.
You'll be surprised how good you can be with a few weeks of practice!
Preparation is overrated. Practice is underrated.
I started writing 6 weeks ago. I wish I'd started 6 years ago.
Write something today and tweet it out. And keep doing it till you get better.
You'll be surprised how good you can be with a few weeks of practice!
If you found this thread helpful, please:
- Retweet the first tweet and help others find this thread.
- Follow me at @heykahn
I write about marketing, tech, and psychology. I share my insights along the way.
- Retweet the first tweet and help others find this thread.
- Follow me at @heykahn
I write about marketing, tech, and psychology. I share my insights along the way.
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