Section 1.1: Finding Your Authentic Voice

"Hook this," "story that," and "bullet this other thing"—it can be overwhelming! If you're new to writing online, it’s easy to feel lost amid a sea of advice targeting your attention (and your wallet).

The first step? Embrace your true self. While storytelling techniques are beneficial—after all, humans are naturally inclined to learn through stories—it's crucial to create that captivating opening line that grabs attention.

I’m not suggesting that advice is detrimental. Writing is an ongoing craft that requires continuous learning. Currently, I'm focusing on refining my copywriting abilities. I've crafted successful CTAs and email campaigns, but I always strive to improve.

Each day, I read at least one or two articles about writing or marketing tips. However, the relentless flow of overlapping advice can feel tedious and insincere, especially when it claims to help you discover your genuine voice.

There are certainly formulas that yield results—like short paragraphs, lists, and yes, cat videos! If you're just starting out in writing, it's beneficial to observe what resonates with audiences and emulate it to find your footing.

But remember, authenticity is key. While I may be writing this in my casual home attire—compression socks and all—it's vital to note that “being yourself” doesn’t mean writing solely for your own pleasure.

Section 1.2: Understanding Your Audience

If you're producing content to earn a living (like freelance writing) or to inspire action (as in content marketing), always keep your audience in mind. Writing solely for yourself might be fun, but it won’t pay the bills.

It’s essential to remember your audience. Forgetting this could lead to financial difficulties.

Now, let’s shift back to the overwhelming advice available online. For someone new to writing, navigating this landscape can feel like running into a series of obstacles, making it easy to forget one fundamental rule: be authentic.

Section 2.1: Developing a Structure that Works for You

You don’t have to adhere to a rigid morning routine—waking up at 5 a.m., meditating, journaling, and sipping your favorite drink in a specific writing space. Those practices can be beneficial—if they suit you.

Everyone requires some form of structure to write. The exact amount? That’s something you must determine for yourself. Personally, I find it helpful to jot down notes in a notebook or on index cards, setting aside dedicated writing time that varies throughout the day.

Others may prefer a set schedule or have their unique quirks—like using only a particular pen or paper color. The beauty of writing lies in our individuality.

While there’s a wealth of general advice that works for many—such as embracing messy first drafts or maintaining a consistent writing environment—what suits others may not resonate with you.

Section 2.2: Timeless Writing Principles

Having spent three decades in writing, publishing, and marketing, I believe these core principles will remain relevant for years to come:

1. Be authentic.
2. Be useful—this includes entertaining your audience; humor is a valuable tool.
3. Understand distribution. Familiarize yourself with SEO basics, as it’s essential for getting your work noticed online.

Here are some foundational tips to kickstart your writing journey:

• Write: There are no shortcuts to improvement. Regular writing leads to growth.

1. Many resources emphasize this, including Stephen King's "On Writing."

• Appreciate the power of storytelling: We are naturally drawn to narratives.

1. For a blend of storytelling and marketing, check out Donald Miller's "Storybrand."

• Know the basics of grammar: You don’t need to be a master. A solid understanding of punctuation will often suffice.

1. "The Elements of Style" is a classic resource worth having.

• Write: Did I mention the importance of writing?

In conclusion, the best advice I can give about writing advice is this: learn to filter out what doesn’t resonate with you.

Or you could bypass the writing process and hire me! Let’s connect: [email protected], 301-275-7496.