Here’s a really nice piece from Drew Bruenig about why you should write. These reasons are definitely part of why I’m writing this blog (and why I link blog). It’s also why I’m happy to see more technical writers joining the technical writing webring.
I think writing is one of the most valuable things you can do, and I recommend everyone try it. Here’s why:
- It makes you a better thinker and communicator. Writing is a muscle. The more you write, the easier it gets, and your ability improves. You’ll learn to make clearer arguments, crisper explanations, and better empathize with your audience. These skills are applicable to everything.
- You’ll get feedback that makes you a better writer. Feedback exposes weak arguments and strengthens the good ones. Plus, learning to listen to feedback is another skill that is universally applicable.
- You’ll meet people interested in the same things you are. Looking through my correspondence, it’s amazing how many of my favorite people to chat with I met through writing online. (BTW, this goes both ways. If you read something that resonates with you online, write them a note thanking them and telling them what you liked!)
- Your past thinking will be archived and searchable. This is more valuable than you think. If you invest time to hone a piece, you’ll turn back to it more often than you’d expect. Further, reviewing old pieces and threads over time will reveal what worked and what didn’t while making your progress tangible.
- The value of your writing compounds. The value to you, that is. I don’t think my pieces from 6 years ago are improving anyone’s life, but the contacts I’ve made and pieces I’ve crafted have grown into a foundation I get to leverage everyday.
- Writing gives you a license to explore and organize your thoughts. This is the fun bit. Chasing down an idea that interests you, forming questions and then investigating them; it’s a joy. The second most common question I get about my writing is, “How do you motivate yourself to write?” This is the answer. There are so many drafts that live, dormant in my draft folder. So many times I start a piece and lose interest. And then: something will click and I’ll draft, investigate, and finish a piece in an hour (here’s two examples). These aren’t always the most substantive pieces, but they keep the practice going and the momentum up.
But I think this really a key part of doing blogging:
Be okay with bad writing. Most writing isn’t great! If my hit rate is 1 out of 5, I’m thrilled. Get comfortable publishing things that aren’t perfect. I know many people who wait too long to publish and, well, never do. They do this for years. If they’d gotten the ball rolling back then, they’d be better writers today. It’s weird: you’d think regular private writing would be sufficient to get better. But it isn’t. There’s no stakes. No feedback. The only way to get better is to ship. Some people worry about the risk of bad writing. I think the biggest risk comes from being an asshole (so don’t be an asshole!) But the actual risks are quite low: most bad writing is neutral, it remains unread.
One thing I struggle with is keeping my posts simple and short. If you have a similar perspective, I’d consider giving link blogging a try. It helps you build the habit and stay engaged with your blog. It also encourages me to read in an engaged way and take notes about what I’m reading. Also! I think reading is a key way to build writing skills. Find writers you enjoy and see how they approach writing a blog post (or book, newsletter or whatever!). The main point is to build the muscle and find what works for you.