5 Power Writing Tips

Today we have a "guest post" by Daphne Gray-Grant, who produces the "Power Writing" newsletter that I recommend. If you're serious about improving your writing as a way to grow revenues, you need to read this.

Tip #52 – Five best lessons from 52 weeks of power writing

Today marks one year or 52 issues of Power Writing. I was going to say 'Happy birthday to me,' but a newsletter is pretty pointless without readers, so really, it's happy birthday to you -- my loyal, interesting and opinionated subscribers!

It's often said that you don't really learn something until you teach it (the standard advice for medical students is: see one, do one, teach one) and I've found that bit of practical wisdom applies to writing as well. Herewith, the five best lessons I've learned over the last 52 weeks. If you write, these lessons should apply to you, too:

1. Write every day

Writing is like exercise -- it depends on repetition. Just as you don't get to be an athlete by lying on your couch and eating Krispy Kremes, you don't get to be a writer by talking about it. You actually have to do it. That said, I'm not going to instruct you to write for hours every day; I know you don't have the time. In fact, I've become convinced that setting aside huge chunks of time for writing is the vampire's kiss of death. Writing tends to work best when you let the words accumulate gradually over time, the way snow collects on the ground. I used to write this newsletter all in one go. Now I do a little bit every day, writing or editing for a few minutes here or there, often between phone calls. The rhythm feels much more natural. It's easier and more fun, too.

2. Focus on stories and metaphors not information

How many email newsletters do you file away without reading? How many stories in your daily newspaper do you ignore? If you're like most people, you read only a small fraction of the words put in front of you. And I'm willing to bet that the articles you're most interested in are the ones that tell stories or take complicated ideas and show how they apply to you. Too many writers focus on facts. But we're all drowning in information. What we need is meaning. What we want is something interesting. If you aspire to be read, tell stories and use metaphors. Give your readers context -- don't just dump information.

3. Employ the power of mindmapping

I discovered mindmapping late in my writing life and I'm now like a reformed couch potato who's suddenly discovered the gym. I feel so good, I want you exercising too. And here's the really great news: with mindmapping you never have to break into a sweat! Mindmapping is a super-easy technique that will help you tap into the creative, imaginative, fun part of your brain. It makes writing ever so much easier. If you're a subscriber to this newsletter you should have received a fr'ee e-book on mindmapping when you signed up. If you somehow missed out, shoot me a quick email and I'll send it to you.

4. Don't be afraid to take a stand

I've given up predicting which columns I write will resonate with the most people. Ones I really like barely draw a peep, while columns I think are mediocre bring in a flood of ecstatic email. I've also noticed that the columns that draw the biggest, most enthusiastic response also tend to result in the most unsubscribes. I think this is because strong opinions will make some people dislike you. But they will also bring out the people who loooooove you. As mom always said: "You can't make an omelet without breaking a few eggs." Never fear breaking eggs.

5. Count on the kindness of strangers

This newsletter has given me the chance to connect with hundreds of fascinating people from around the world. I've received charming and heartbreaking emails and benefited from much support when I suffered from hackers, hard drive failures and even health problems. Writing is about connecting. I feel honoured to be able to do that with you.

Now did I hear someone ask about birthday presents? Well, I'd love a new iMac, of course, but if you'd really like to give me a meaningful gift, I'd be thrilled if you'd drop a quick email to two or three friends who want to write better, faster. Let them know about Power Writing and suggest they consider subscribing. They'll thank you, and so will I.

Reprinted with the permission of Daphne Gray-Grant, the Publication Coach. If you need to write better, faster, subscribe to her fr’ee weekly newsletter, Power Writing, at: www.publicationcoach.com and you will receive a short tip each week.