## My testimony [(00:00:00)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-Pkcye-eIY&t=0s) - Writing has the power to inspire, destroy, command respect, and sell, and it connects people to virtually all of human history, making it a crucial skill to learn, available to everyone, including those who want to write a book, sell skills online, or share ideas [(00:00:00)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-Pkcye-eIY&t=0s). - The written word is permanent, unlike speech, and allows people to read and learn from the work of historical figures like Socrates thousands of years after their death, which is a unique aspect of writing [(00:00:20)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-Pkcye-eIY&t=20s). - With over five years of writing experience, which is approximately a quarter of their life, they have been able to make a living through writing, including writing video scripts, newsletters, and a book that is currently in progress [(00:00:46)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-Pkcye-eIY&t=46s). - The tips and advice shared are based on personal experience and what has worked along the way, and it is acknowledged that there is still much to learn and improve upon as a writer [(00:01:05)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-Pkcye-eIY&t=65s). - The first tip to be shared is introduced, with the intention of providing helpful advice and guidance for others, and it is emphasized that the tips come from a place of personal experience and learning [(00:01:12)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-Pkcye-eIY&t=72s). ## Tip 1 - Entertain, don't just inform [(00:01:17)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-Pkcye-eIY&t=77s) - The importance of entertaining readers, rather than just informing them, is a key aspect of effective writing, as evidenced by a personal experience where writing was too dry and boring, similar to a Wikipedia article [(00:01:17)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-Pkcye-eIY&t=77s). - The initial attempt at writing consisted of creating short, informational posts on Instagram about various topics, including ecology, historical tech, and political movements, but these posts failed to engage readers due to their dull tone [(00:01:23)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-Pkcye-eIY&t=83s). - The realization that informative writing does not have to be boring led to the understanding that clarity is important, but it should not come at the expense of being engaging, and that adding elements such as stories, humor, and interesting words can enhance the writing [(00:01:44)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-Pkcye-eIY&t=104s). - To make writing more entertaining, techniques such as sprinkling in stories, adding humor, and using metaphors or interesting words can be employed to create a more engaging reading experience [(00:02:33)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-Pkcye-eIY&t=153s). - The goal is not to be overly goofy or try to be a clown, but rather to find a balance between conveying information and making the writing enjoyable to read, which can be achieved by experimenting with different styles and techniques [(00:02:41)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-Pkcye-eIY&t=161s). - Ultimately, remembering to entertain readers is crucial, as it can make a significant difference in the impact and effectiveness of the writing, and this principle can be applied to various forms of writing, from social media posts to more formal articles [(00:02:50)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-Pkcye-eIY&t=170s). ## Tip 2 - Flow is everything [(00:03:06)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-Pkcye-eIY&t=186s) - Good writing must flow, as a writer is in a constant battle to keep the reader engaged, and every sentence must give the reader a reason to continue reading, which can be achieved by avoiding clunkiness and improving the flow of writing [(00:03:06)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-Pkcye-eIY&t=186s). - To achieve good flow, it is essential to avoid bits that sound clunky or confusing, including weird tangents or derailments from the original point, as these cause friction in the reading experience and make it harder for the reader to continue [(00:03:33)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-Pkcye-eIY&t=213s). - A book that flows well can make the reader lose track of time, and an example of such a book is Nelson Mandela's autobiography, which demonstrates the power of flow in writing [(00:04:04)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-Pkcye-eIY&t=244s). - To achieve good flow, it is crucial to make sure logical steps are clear, and the reader is led from one point to another without confusion or ambiguity, which can be achieved by using paragraphs and introductory sentences [(00:04:26)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-Pkcye-eIY&t=266s). - It is also helpful to focus on getting one point across per section or piece of writing, as introducing too many ideas can be confusing for the reader, and to edit work by reading it out loud to capture any awkward or strange-sounding bits [(00:04:53)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-Pkcye-eIY&t=293s). - Additionally, using resources such as Skillshare, which offers a wide range of classes in creative areas, including writing, can be helpful in improving writing skills and learning new techniques [(00:05:40)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-Pkcye-eIY&t=340s). ## Tip 3 - Get your hook right [(00:06:47)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-Pkcye-eIY&t=407s) - Getting the hook right is crucial as it is the opening of the text and the first impression with the reader, making it essential to make a good impression to avoid being judged harshly or ignored [(00:06:47)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-Pkcye-eIY&t=407s). - The importance of a hook is not limited to books or articles, but applies to all media, as seen in examples such as the TV show Breaking Bad, which uses weird intros to build a sense of mystery, and YouTubers who use mini compilations of exciting parts to grab the viewer's attention [(00:07:12)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-Pkcye-eIY&t=432s). - Effective hooks can be found in various forms of media, including adverts on public transportation, which often use bold and provocative one-liners to capture attention, and the use of bold statements and emotional language in video openings [(00:07:33)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-Pkcye-eIY&t=453s). - To hook the reader, several strategies can be employed, including asking a question they want the answer to, making a provocative statement, using statistics, laying out a problem to be solved, using emotional language, throwing them into an engaging story, or offering a shared goal [(00:08:05)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-Pkcye-eIY&t=485s). - It is essential to deliver on the promise made by the hook to avoid being seen as clickbait, and the goal is to catch the reader's attention amidst the vast amount of content available and make them continue reading [(00:07:52)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-Pkcye-eIY&t=472s). ## Tip 4 - Serve readers, not yourself [(00:08:25)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-Pkcye-eIY&t=505s) - Many writers, especially new ones, are selfish and focus on exploring themselves, coming across as edgy and mysterious, or finding enlightenment, rather than serving their readers, which is their main goal as writers [(00:08:25)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-Pkcye-eIY&t=505s). - The primary objective of writers is to serve their audience, whether it is to entertain, inform, or argue a point, and if they fail to do so, they risk losing their audience and having no reason for people to read their work [(00:08:40)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-Pkcye-eIY&t=520s). - Different types of writers have different roles, such as fiction writers who must entertain, history writers who must share a narrative to inform, and philosophers who must argue a point or explore a topic to help readers learn and understand [(00:09:03)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-Pkcye-eIY&t=543s). - Writers who do not serve their audience, such as some artists in upscale areas who create pretentious and abstract art that nobody understands, will not be able to attract or retain viewers, as there is nothing in it for them [(00:09:50)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-Pkcye-eIY&t=590s). - While writers can talk about themselves, they must do so in a way that also benefits their readers, such as sharing personal stories and struggles to help readers learn, relate, or understand a point, rather than being self-absorbed [(00:10:30)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-Pkcye-eIY&t=630s). - Ultimately, if writers want people to read their work, they must provide something of value to their readers, whether it is entertainment, information, or insight, and prioritize their audience's needs over their own self-expression [(00:10:45)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-Pkcye-eIY&t=645s). ## 13:19 Tip 5 - Immerse with imagery [(00:10:50)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-Pkcye-eIY&t=650s) - To improve writing, it is essential to be precise for better imagery, which is what helps readers imagine the settings, characters, and action as they read, making the story more vivid and exciting in their heads [(00:10:50)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-Pkcye-eIY&t=650s). - Imagery is not limited to fiction writing, as storytelling is everywhere, and even non-fiction writers can use it to get points across, making their writing more engaging and realistic [(00:11:13)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-Pkcye-eIY&t=673s). - Using precise details is one way to make imagery more realistic and exciting, such as describing a specific location, like the Heg, with cafes and tobacco shops, which helps readers create a more vivid picture of what is happening [(00:11:39)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-Pkcye-eIY&t=699s). - Adding small, specific details to descriptions, like saying "a carved mahogany table" instead of just "a table", or "a UPS delivery van" instead of just "a van", can significantly change the picture in the reader's head and make the writing more immersive [(00:12:04)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-Pkcye-eIY&t=724s). - Sharing tips and advice on writing can be helpful to everyone, and discussing unique pieces of advice in the comment section or through other means, like email or newsletters, can provide a platform for writers to learn from each other and improve their craft [(00:12:28)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-Pkcye-eIY&t=748s). ## Sources - [website](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-Pkcye-eIY?si=j_HDtHWE0X9jP8SR)