Far too often, I speak to clients, bloggers, marketers and other creatives who are stuck in some sort of a writer's limbo being unable to write about their own brand stories. My colleague ran a piece about her inspiration and writing advice last year, and I am now sharing some tips that help me. It's not easy, and don't let anyone have you underestimate the challenges you may face. There are ways to generate creative inspiration and I'm here to talk about what has worked for me personally! Do let me know your ideas too. We're all in this together!
What's the Best Writing Advice You've Ever Received?
1. Internalize that you're a writer
Writer sounds like a big term. Most of us think of our favorite authors, stories and creatives and allow ourselves to be intimidated. I'm a part of a writer's group in Ann Arbor, and while I have been writing for 13 years now, only when someone in the group talked about "internalizing" the craft, did it occur to me that I could potentially call myself a writer. It's important to believe that. Inspiration begins with 'I can.'
2. Forget about likability
Writing based on your brand and personal values is authentic. You're writing your story as per your unique perspectives and beliefs. It's important to bring out your passions and ideas in what you write. You're writing to put a dent in the universe. It's important to seek truth through your creativity than merely fending for likability. Think about who you truly are and what you represent as a brand. One of my favorite new authors, Chimamanda N. Adichie shares her writing advice,
“If you start thinking about being likable you are not going to tell your story honestly, because you are going to be so concerned with not offending, and that’s going to ruin your story, so forget about likability.”
3. Give yourself permission to be creative
Recently at our writer's group, someone wanted to have permission to be able to write in bed, early morning. We thought it was funny, till we all realized that these are decisions we all struggle with. It's important to embrace your creativity zones and give yourself the comfort that you need to be able to write. Choose your time, place and tools as per your wish. You don't need to be like other writers. You get to find your own quirks and live with them. Give yourself permission to be creative as per your guidelines!
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4. Try with a fugly first draft
An ugly draft is better than no draft. Writing is like running. Experience makes you improve and perform better in the long run. Even if you feel it's terrible, write it down. Practice, till you feel you're able to deliver.
5. Get external help and collaborate with others
There's no shame in reaching out to others - creatives, writers, or marketers to help you bring out the story that seems stuck in your mind. Sometimes having an outside in view and being a little away from the realities of your work can actually help writers to discover something truly unique about your story. You can work with coaches, brand mentors or writers to find out your unique story or write something you've not been able to really put across. You can do this even if you're a writer yourself. Inspiration can/ does come externally sometimes and collaborations make our work even better than we imagined it first.
What's the best writing advice you've received?
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