Writer's Write and Read: This Isn't a Statement; It's an Instruction

Writing is a fundamental and vital activity at Like a Girl Media (LAGM), and as the content creator for LAGM, I write all the time; I love it. Writing has always been an intrinsic part of who I am. As a young writer, I would spend hours every day with my thoughts, typing away at my keyboard, driven by an insatiable need to put words on the page. I would have been journaling if I weren't writing down my opinion. Perhaps I had no real direction or purpose then, but I wrote. When I came on board at LAGM, I saw writing as my responsibility. I'm tasked with not only telling the LAGM story, but also the stories of our clients.

For content creators, storytelling through content isn't as daunting as it is a necessity. Writing is like breathing—an activity of daily living. My mantra is: “We write because we must.”

Early in my career, I'd write healthcare policies, then opinion pieces about those policies, and then answer email mails from my followers on their opinions about what I'd written; you get the gist. , I thought I was just bad at the craft. Every piece felt like a struggle, and I wondered if I would ever get better. But then, I met Carolyn See by chance. She was a Californian who happened to be in New York City; I was a student from Maryland, and I was also in NYC. Our paths crossed, and that meeting changed my life. Carolyn See, who passed away in 2016, became my mentor at large. She told me that all writing doesn’t have to be good initially; it just has to be written. This simple yet profound advice became my guiding light.

What Carolyn See Taught Me

Carolyn See was the first person who made me understand that writing every day is crucial, but it's equally important to read. Her book, Making a Literary Life: Advice for Writers and Other Dreamers, became my bible. Whenever I needed inspiration or guidance, I turned to it. In her book, See emphasizes that “writing every day” is not just about the act of writing but also about developing a writer's mind.

Her advice was clear: write every day, and when the writing gets better, write some more. This discipline helped me see that writing is a journey, not a destination. It’s about constantly evolving and improving. She said, “A writer is someone who has written today.” This became a daily challenge for me—to write something every single day.

The Importance of Reading

As a content creators, we all recognize the impact of reading on one’s writing abilities. Many creators focus solely on the act of writing, creating captions, cookie-cutter emails, thinking that continuous practice will eventually lead to success. However, this belief neglects an essential aspect of becoming a great writer: reading.

Reading books on the craft of writing and other genres opens up new perspectives and teaches us different techniques for creating content. It helps us understand the nuances of storytelling, character development, and the flow of narrative. Carolyn See's emphasis on reading was clear in her advice: “Read everything—trash, classics, good and bad, and see how they do it. Just like a carpenter who works as an apprentice and studies the master.”

Developing the Habit of Writing Content

First, we need a sidebar—there's an elephant in the room, AI. Ai has opened up so many possibilities for content creators. It has increased the speed at which we create, research, and share content. It's all good, but if you've spent your career writing, there has to be an internal struggle. Am I cheating? Is this really my work?

The truth is that AI can only go so far. It may be able to generate content quickly and efficiently, but it needs the human touch that makes writing genuinely unique and powerful. That's why developing the habit of writing content is crucial for any aspiring writer or content creator. Also, if your audience knows and follows you, your voice is what they want to experience through the content. Admittedly, I do AI for some content. I've always hated doing the story outline, so I let AI develop it. That being said, I also edit AI-enabled outlines to closely convey the way I want the story to feel.

Building a good habit

Building a habit of writing is not easy, but it’s essential for any content creator. Here are ten habits that can help sustain a writer's life:

1. Write Every Day: This is the most crucial habit. It doesn’t matter if it’s just a few lines or a full chapter; consistency is key. As See advises, “A page a day is a book a year.”

2. Read Widely: Don’t limit yourself to one genre. Read novels, poetry, essays, subject-matter journals, and books on writing. Each offers different lessons and insights.

3. Keep a Journal: Document your thoughts, ideas, and observations. This practice helps improve writing skills and provides a treasure trove of material for future use.

4. Set Writing Goals: Whether it’s a daily word count or finishing a project by a specific date, having goals keeps you motivated and focused.

5. Join a Writing Group: Sharing your work with others and receiving feedback can be incredibly beneficial. It helps you see your writing from different perspectives.

6. Study the Masters: Read works by great authors and analyze their techniques. Understand what makes their writing compelling.

7. Embrace Rejection: Every writer faces rejection. All content isn't great content. Clients won't always buy into your vision for their story. Be okay with hearing, "This isn't quite what we want." Learn from it and keep going. As See puts it, “Rejection is a badge of honor. It's a rite of passage.”

8. Find Your Voice: This comes with time and practice. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different styles and genres until you find what feels authentic.

9. Stay Curious: Always ask questions and seek new experiences. Curiosity fuels creativity and keeps your writing fresh. Engaging with your client's products and services is the best way to do this. Test-driving products and forming informed opinions is also great for content.

10. Take Care of Yourself: Writing can be mentally and physically demanding. Take breaks, stay active, and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Actionable Advice for Content Creators

For content creators, the principles of writing and reading are just as important. Here are some actionable tips:

Diversify Your Reading List: Include books on writing, fiction, non-fiction, and articles from different industries. This will broaden your knowledge and improve your versatility as a writer.
Practice Different Writing Styles: Try your hand at various types of content, such as blogs, articles, social media posts, and scripts. Each form has its unique challenges and learning opportunities.
Leverage Technology: Use tools like Grammarly for editing, Scrivener for organization, and Hemingway for readability. These can enhance your writing process and output.
Engage with Your Audience: Understand what your audience wants to read and tailor your content accordingly. Interaction with readers can provide valuable feedback and ideas.
Stay Updated: Keep abreast of trends in your niche. Reading industry news, attending webinars, and networking with other professionals can keep your content relevant and engaging.

Quotes from Carolyn See

Wisdom in writing produces excellent content. Carolyn See's wisdom continues to resonate with me and many other writers. Here are some quotes from her book, Making a Literary Life, that have guided me through my writing journey:

“If you want to write, the best possible thing you could be is also a reader.”
“Think of writing as a love affair, at first hot and heavy, then settled and lasting.”
“The only trick is to keep going, keep at it, until you drop dead.”

Here's the thing,...

Becoming a great writer and content creator is a lifelong journey requiring dedication, discipline, and a love for writing and reading. You can continually improve your craft by incorporating daily writing habits and immersing yourself in the world of books. Remember Carolyn's Advice: Write daily, and when the writing gets better, write some more. Writing is not just a task; it’s a way of life. And as content creators, the more we read and write, the more we grow and succeed in our craft.