How to Get Started with Writing Online

Writing online is a guaranteed way to shrink the world.

- David Perell on why you should write online.

Let’s assume you know why writing online is a great idea but you’re not sure where to start. Here’s what you need to know about the writing process to get you started.

1. Never start from a blank page

Blank pages kill writers.

Collecting ideas should be the start of your writing process.

An idea is nothing more or less than a new combination of old elements.

This step of the writing process will eliminate a lot of what we writers refer to as writer’s block. David Perell, a prolific writer and a personal favorite of mine, sums it up as starting with abundance in his piece on how to cure writer’s block.

2. Don’t worry about being unique.

Imitate then innovate. Find writers who are better than you and steal. Make their work your own. Read their works, re-write their works, learn how they think then finally, add your own twist to their work.

That said, do not plagiarize. Be upfront about who’s work you are emulating and acknowledge their role as your inspiration.

Good artists borrow, great artists steal

3. Acknowledge that good writing takes time

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLomULa-LGc

Ed Sheeran gives songwriters advice that feels very relevant to anyone working on getting better at writing online.

“When you switch a dirty tap on it is going to flow with shit water for a substantial amount of time and then clean water is going to start flowing. Now and then you are going to get a bit of shit but as long as it gets out of you it’s fine,” says Ed Sheeran.

The idea here is to acknowledge that you are going to write badly at the beginning and you cannot escape that. Sticking it out is a sure way to get to your version of good writing.

4. Write simply

Once you have your ideas on paper, simplify them.

The less energy your readers spend on your prose, the more they’ll have left for your ideas

Writing is about communicating your ideas, not showing how smart you think you are. The simpler you write, the easier it is to convey your ideas.

5. Don’t just write words, write music

I couldn’t put this any better than the original author.

5. Hit publish often

Don’t overdo the refinement of your work. The more work you put out the more feedback you get. With good feedback, you get a shot at improving and becoming a better writer.

Give yourself a deadline and get your work online. All the best!