Everybody Writes

I'm reading a terrific book right now called, Everybody Writes. The book is by content marketer, keynote speaker, and best-selling author Ann Hanley.

For anyone looking to write and potentially make a living out of it I can't recommend this book enough. 

Here are just a few quick tips on punching out what she calls, "The Ugly First Draft."

1. BARF IT UP

Jot down your key ideas as they come to you. No need to curate them or put them in any particular way when starting out. 

If you get stuck simply take some quick personal inventory. Do you need more examples, research, or is there another point that needs to be made?

Most importantly, keep the self-talk positive. Don't beat yourself up telling yourself you don't have the goods as a writer. 

Every writer struggles. As Hemingway once said, "There is nothing to writing. All you do is sit down at the typewriter and bleed."

2. WALK AWAY

It's likely you'll first ugly draft won't exactly be Shakespearean. This may take a little bounce from your step, forcing you to already forget the remarkable accomplishment you've just made!

Take a breather. Walk away and focus on something else for a while. You'll be amazed by the clarity and perspective you come back with.

3. REWRITE

Nabokov once said, “I have rewritten — often several times — every word I have ever published. My pencils outlast their erasers.” 


Take the best parts of your first ugly draft and use them in your final product. Remember, writing is about the reader not indulging the writer.

Ultimately, our job is to be of service. We do that by having the courage to cut whatever isn't in harmony with that mission.