Chapter 1: Embracing Continuous Learning

Last year, I took the plunge and enrolled in two writing courses, one focusing on fiction and the other on nonfiction. As an advocate for lifelong education, I was eager to learn the nuances of writing. I quickly realized there was still much to master.

The courses proved invaluable, with one significant lesson being the power of sharing your work in a supportive environment that fosters constructive feedback. My previous experiences in other forums yielded minimal helpful input, but that shifted dramatically when I shared my selected pieces in these new classes.

Encouragement from my peers helped me refine my narratives and improve my endings. For instance, I penned a short story about a sentient wall facing demolition—a concept that one classmate felt was overly dark. While I appreciated the feedback, I ultimately felt that it strayed too far from my original intent.

In return, I was candid while critiquing others, questioning the inclusion of minor characters and excessive scientific details that disrupted their narrative flow.

What stood out in these courses was the instructors’ emphasis on guidelines and the suggestion to explore works by acclaimed writers, both past and present. I was thrilled to discover remarkable nonfiction authors like Katherine Boo, whose poignant narrative journalism sheds light on marginalized communities. I also revisited the captivating storytelling of George Orwell in works like Down and Out in Paris and London.

Key Takeaways from My Writing Courses

1. Begin drafting your story or article.
2. Once completed, review and edit your draft.
3. Repeat the review and editing process as needed.

Having completed these courses, I applied the lessons learned to my article writing. The most crucial insight was understanding that writing is a process requiring multiple revisions until everything aligns cohesively.

Chapter 2: Seeing Your Work as a Work in Progress

My writing classes instilled in me the perspective that stories are continually evolving. Completion occurs only when you're confident that every vital detail has been included.

While some writers emphasize the importance of consistent output, they often overlook the necessity of thorough review and refinement. Just like musicians fine-tune their instruments, writers must ensure their work is polished.

By implementing these insights, I witnessed a significant uptick in the reception of my stories. One nonfiction piece even became a top feature on a platform outside of Medium. My dedication to revising and refining my work paid off, culminating in an unexpected notification that one of my articles received a boost on Medium.

I'm grateful for this opportunity and for Medium’s boost program, which supports writers in gaining visibility.

Another critical lesson I learned was to break the habit of assuming that the first or second draft is the final version. It's essential to keep revising until the prose flows smoothly and effectively conveys your intended message. Clear writing is compelling writing.

Returning to the Fundamentals

While consistency is vital, it’s equally important to revisit the basics. Mastering the rules of writing is essential before you can effectively bend or break them—much like Picasso, who perfected his drawing skills before exploring various artistic styles.

Try this exercise: set your article aside for an hour, a couple of hours, or even overnight. When you return, what changes do you notice? If you made revisions, how do you feel about your article now? Utilizing Google Docs allows you to save your original draft and create a copy for modifications, making it easy to compare changes. The results may surprise you.

I often find myself cutting unnecessary words and entire paragraphs. After trimming the excess, my stories began to flow more seamlessly.

Engaging with Other Writers

Here’s a fun challenge: think about your favorite nonfiction and fiction authors, whether on Medium or elsewhere. Read one of their short stories. What elements did you appreciate? What aspects fell flat? Can you identify the writer's structural approach? If the piece is narrative nonfiction, does it effectively portray the characters? Apply the same analysis to fiction writers.

I've also discovered that nonfiction writing shares similarities with fiction; both require a strong storytelling technique, an active voice, and memorable characters.

I hope these strategies help you enhance your writing. Do you have any techniques that have worked for you in improving your craft? Please share your insights!

That's all for today.

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