Inspiring post, Alex. You put into words all the reasons I'm working to develop my own daily writing practice. Do you have any recommendations for structure for daily writing? I looking for ideas to help me create a balance between free-writing and structure for my own practice.
Thanks Becca. I often start by free-writing to loosen up and explore ideas. Then I'll dive into a piece, but I usually have a sense of structure in my mind as a write, and I often start by introducing a problem. I shared a basic structure I've used in the Telegram group (https://t.me/masteryden) - I will copy it for you below.
I also have a course that goes into more depth on this that you can access as a paying member.
'People ask me whether I use a template or structure to outline my articles and newsletters.
I have used a very basic structure in many pieces, though I now tend to write without referring too closely to structure (it's more ingrained now):
(Note - structures vary, and you don't need to follow this to a tee)
PADSA
P - Problem (introducing with a problem or story around a problem is strong)
A - Accentuate problem (Try and stir up the pain so it is felt)
D - Differing opinions - what have others said is the solution, and why might they be wrong
S - Solution - what's your solution? This can be a list of ideas too, such as in a listicle
A - Action - articles and newsletters are best suited to encouraging action in the reader. Can you verbally encourage your reader to go away and DO something. You can also add your CTA for signing up to newsletter or buying product or other here.
This structure has served me well over the years, and I hope you find it valuable in your own writing (audios and videos too).'
As an aspiring writer, I've been struggling to get back to my routine, and since NY I've been practising writing nothing at all. I'm trying to get rid of the toxic idea of being a brilliant writer from day one, which I nurtured for a few years now. I want a blank-sheet start, with the mindset of a curious child exploring for the sake of interest and not result.
Has anybody ever programmed their mind to a toxic attitude towards writing? Any ideas on how to cure this?
Thanks Valentin. You may be overthinking this, as that is always at the heart of this kind of issue. The solution is always to write. And you can start by free-writing. Commit first to writing 300 words, even bad words. Make your success that you have written -- not that you have written 'well.'
Inspiring post, Alex. You put into words all the reasons I'm working to develop my own daily writing practice. Do you have any recommendations for structure for daily writing? I looking for ideas to help me create a balance between free-writing and structure for my own practice.
Thanks Becca. I often start by free-writing to loosen up and explore ideas. Then I'll dive into a piece, but I usually have a sense of structure in my mind as a write, and I often start by introducing a problem. I shared a basic structure I've used in the Telegram group (https://t.me/masteryden) - I will copy it for you below.
I also have a course that goes into more depth on this that you can access as a paying member.
'People ask me whether I use a template or structure to outline my articles and newsletters.
I have used a very basic structure in many pieces, though I now tend to write without referring too closely to structure (it's more ingrained now):
(Note - structures vary, and you don't need to follow this to a tee)
PADSA
P - Problem (introducing with a problem or story around a problem is strong)
A - Accentuate problem (Try and stir up the pain so it is felt)
D - Differing opinions - what have others said is the solution, and why might they be wrong
S - Solution - what's your solution? This can be a list of ideas too, such as in a listicle
A - Action - articles and newsletters are best suited to encouraging action in the reader. Can you verbally encourage your reader to go away and DO something. You can also add your CTA for signing up to newsletter or buying product or other here.
This structure has served me well over the years, and I hope you find it valuable in your own writing (audios and videos too).'
Thank you! I’ll explore all this more :)
Well said
You become a better thinker too while writing. 😊 I found this post very helpful, thank you!
you got it!
Helps your speech too
Thanks, Alex.
Always inspiring.
As an aspiring writer, I've been struggling to get back to my routine, and since NY I've been practising writing nothing at all. I'm trying to get rid of the toxic idea of being a brilliant writer from day one, which I nurtured for a few years now. I want a blank-sheet start, with the mindset of a curious child exploring for the sake of interest and not result.
Has anybody ever programmed their mind to a toxic attitude towards writing? Any ideas on how to cure this?
Thanks Valentin. You may be overthinking this, as that is always at the heart of this kind of issue. The solution is always to write. And you can start by free-writing. Commit first to writing 300 words, even bad words. Make your success that you have written -- not that you have written 'well.'
Writing daily really is the key