Not all lessons are created equal.
Some lessons we learn are small.
Other lessons are giant. They change our whole course of action.
Over the past few years becoming a digital writer, this is the single most important lesson I’ve learned about the craft of writing online.
Create More Than You Consume
And here’s why:
There’s so much brilliant content online. And there’s no end to it.
Reading, scanning, and analyzing the written work of others is inspiring.
You watch how a writer develops an argument. You see how their subheads draw you in. You note why their headline has the wow factor.
You see a writer’s flair with words. Or cadence. Or empathy.
You marvel at just how much writers know, and share.
But if you don’t practice writing yourself, you don’t develop the “muscle memory” of the craft.
You don’t learn how to write. And improve. And know the joy of connecting with a reader.
Just as repeatedly reading recipes won’t give you the same satisfaction as creating the dishes, serving them to friends, and watching with glee as they devour every last morsel.
So, in writing, it’s action and implementation that teach you the important stuff.
When you spend more time creating than consuming, you’ll learn:
- what topics you’re interested in
- what topics readers pay attention to
- what moves readers
- what bores readers
- what writing skills you already have
- what writing skills you need to work on
- what writing training is worth paying for
- what writing feedback is helpful
- how far you’ve come in your writing craft
- how far you have to go.
And how much fun the journey is. And how fascinating are the fellow writers you’ll meet along the way.
You’re already a creator. That’s why you want to write.
So, use most of your time to create.