The 3-Step Writing Framework That Helped Us Build +$10M Newsletters

Why should you care about becoming a better writer?

Writing is a powerful tool for persuasion and clear thinking. It enables you to communicate ideas effectively, whether you're trying to convince clients, colleagues, or your audience. Great writing can scale your ability to influence, far beyond a one-on-one conversation.

Think about it. Strong writing skills can make your emails, blog posts, and presentations more compelling. For those in sales or marketing, persuasive writing is crucial for getting rich without getting lucky or driving action.

Moreover, clear writing reflects clear thinking. To write well, you need to structure your thoughts coherently. This mental clarity can impact various aspects of your life, from professional growth to personal communication. You'll not only be more persuasive but also more organized and articulate in expressing your ideas.

Ultimately, investing time to improve your writing skills is investing in your communication and thinking abilities. These are essential for personal and professional success.

How can you begin with the end in mind?

Deciding the end goal before you start writing is crucial. Here’s how you can achieve that:

• Determine the Reaction:

  • Ask yourself: What emotion do I want to evoke? Whether it's curiosity, excitement, or action, knowing this will shape your tone and structure.

• Define the Action:

  • Consider: What do I want my readers to do after they read this? Whether it's clicking a link, sharing the article, or signing up for a newsletter, having this clear will direct your call to action.

• Identify the Takeaway:

  • Think: If readers remember only one thing, what should it be? This core message should be clear and impactful, leaving a lasting impression.

This approach helps in structuring your thoughts coherently and ensuring your writing is both engaging and effective.

What is the role of headlines and copywork?

Starting with a strong headline is crucial. A compelling headline captures attention and compels readers to continue. For instance, headlines like "Why I Spent 30 Days Eating Nothing But Soylent" immediately spark curiosity. They provide a clear, provocative opening that invites readers to explore further.

Copywork, on the other hand, is an effective warm-up exercise. By copying well-written text, you internalize the rhythm, structure, and style of great writing. Think of it as a form of mental stretching before your main activity. Handwriting passages from your favorite authors or articles helps you grasp their techniques. For example, copying David Ogilvy's advertisements can improve your persuasive skills.

Both strong headlines and copywork are essential tools in your arsenal. They make your writing more engaging and polished, ultimately helping you improve writing skills.

For instance, you might find inspiration from reading about how a startup crafts an interesting story for the media. Effective headlines and practice can help enhance your writing abilities significantly.

How do you draft quickly and edit effectively?

1. Drafting: Start by writing quickly and without self-judgment. Let your ideas flow and avoid worrying about perfection. This "brain dump" method helps ensure all your thoughts get on paper swiftly.

2. Incubating: Take a break. Let your draft sit for at least 90 minutes, sometimes up to a day. This rest period allows your mind to process ideas passively in the background.

3. Editing: Return to your draft with fresh eyes. Focus on removing unnecessary words, restructuring sentences, and refining your main points. Remember, great writing is great editing. As David Ogilvy said, "I'm a lousy writer, but a good editor." Stephen King’s advice to "kill your darlings" speaks to the importance of cutting out anything that doesn’t serve the core message.

For a more structured approach, consider these hacks for building an MVP quickly, highlighting the significance of efficiency and iteration in the writing process too.

How can you avoid common writing mistakes?

Improving your writing skills means avoiding common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes to watch out for and how to avoid them:

Mistake 1: Burying the Lead

• Solution: Start with the most important sentence. Grab your reader's attention immediately. For example, instead of lengthy background, state your main point right away.

Mistake 2: Using Complex Language

• Solution: Write in simple, conversational language. Avoid jargon and complicated words. If you need to hunt down a word with a thesaurus, it’s probably the wrong word to use. Use words that everyone can understand.

Mistake 3: Not Creating a Curiosity Gap

• Solution: Create a curiosity gap. Give just enough information to make the reader want to know more. Think of this as the hook that pulls them deeper into your article.

Mistake 4: Ignoring Rhythm in Writing

• Solution: Focus on varying sentence length to create a natural flow. Use short sentences to punch key points and longer sentences to elaborate. This prevents monotony and keeps readers engaged.

Remember, effective writing strategies often require simplifying your text and ensuring it flows well. Keep these tips in mind to enhance clarity and engagement in your writing.

What are the elements of a great story?

Storytelling involves the principles of intention and obstacle. Renowned writer Aaron Sorkin once said, "I worship at the altar of intention and obstacle." Every compelling narrative has these two core elements.

Intention refers to what a character wants. It could be as simple as finding love or as complex as saving the world. The stronger the desire, the more engaging the story becomes.

Obstacle is the barrier that stands in the way. This could be anything from external conflicts to internal struggles. The greater the obstacle, the higher the stakes, making the story captivating.

For example, take the movie "Taken." The father’s intention is clear: find and rescue his kidnapped daughter. The obstacles are numerous: time constraints, powerful enemies, and limited resources. These stakes make the story gripping.

Great storytelling also integrates stakes effectively. Higher stakes elevate the tension and investment in the narrative. Even in seemingly low-stakes situations, if emotions are intense, the story resonates powerfully.

"The ear demands some variety. Now listen. I vary the sentence length and create music. Music. The writing sings." - Sorkin-style storytelling

In summary, a great story hinges on clear intentions, formidable obstacles, and meaningful stakes. These elements keep readers engaged and emotionally invested.

How do you create rhythm in your writing?

Rhythm in writing is achieved through varying sentence lengths. This creates a natural flow that keeps readers engaged. Using a mix of short, medium, and long sentences can transform your text into music for the mind.

Consider this famous example of rhythmic writing:

"This sentence has five words. Here are five more words. Five word sentences are fine, but several together become monotonous. Listen to what is happening. This writing is getting boring. The sound of it drones. It's like a stuck record. The ear demands some variety. Now listen. I vary the sentence length and I create music. Music. The writing sings. It has a pleasant rhythm, a lilt, a harmony. I use short sentences and I use sentences of medium length. And sometimes when I'm certain that the reader is rested, I will engage him with a sentence of considerable length, a sentence that burns with energy and builds with the impetuousness of a crescendo, the roll of the drums, the crash of the cymbals—and sounds that say, listen to this, it is important."

Short sentences deliver impact. Medium sentences provide information. Longer sentences offer depth and elaborate ideas. Striking a balance between these elements makes your writing lively and compelling.

What resources can help you improve your writing?

Improving your writing skills often requires studying and practicing with the help of various resources. Here are some highly recommended tools and materials:

• Books:

  • "On Writing" by Stephen King - This book combines King's autobiography with practical writing advice, making it both insightful and inspiring.
  • "Bird by Bird" by Anne Lamott - Offers a humorous and practical approach to writing and life.
  • "The Elements of Style" by Strunk & White - A classic guide to the core principles of clear and effective writing.

• Websites:

  • Hemingway Editor - This tool helps you write more clearly by highlighting complex sentences and suggesting simpler alternatives.
  • Grammarly - Offers real-time grammar, spelling, and style suggestions to improve your writing.
  • CopyThat.com - Provides examples of effective copywriting and breaks down why each point works, allowing you to practice by copying excellent writing.

• Podcasts:

  • True Crime Podcasts - Shows like Parcast’s Serial Killers and Unsolved Murders excel at storytelling and setting up tension, which can be valuable for learning narrative techniques.
  • Comedian Podcasts - Comedians like Theo Von and Dave Chappelle are masters at timing and rhythm. Listen to their shows to understand how they craft engaging stories and set up punchlines.

Incorporating these resources into your routine can provide valuable insights and practical guidance to help you become a better writer.