9 unexpected habits that made me a better writer

I've written thousands of articles and several books over the years.

There was never a point reached where I've felt 'I made it.' Writing is an ongoing process of mastery with no endpoint.

It's this that has kept me motivated to continue writing. I'd have lost interest if it was only about reaching a specific outcome.

I'm always learning, constantly improving.

Many sources of improvement come from unexpected places:

1. Bringing more of the 'mundane' into my work.

People are hesitant to write about what they get up to in their everyday 'boring' lives.

To be an engaging writer, you don't need to be a mountain-climbing juggler who lives in a treehouse. Your recent morning trip to the local café, where you spotted someone daydreaming, is interesting, if seemingly mundane.

Readers are yearning to relate. Weave more of these seemingly insignificant moments into your writing.

2. Daily walks with idea collection.

Daily walks, and ideally, those that go a little longer than I'd anticipated, are non-negotiable for my writing.

I bring my phone to collect whatever insights pop up as I walk. These ideas often provide a seed for the absolute best writing. Plus, you keep in shape.

3. Write it all in one go.

Even if I start by loosening up a little, most of my articles are written in one fell swoop. Start to end.

I used to dread writing because it felt like a lot of work. But my best articles are often slammed out there and then.

But doing this well comes with practice. So get writing.

4. Have regular, deep conversations with real people.

I'm fortunate to have several of these weekly through my work as a coach.

It's easy for many writers to deplete their social tank with an over-immersion in solitude. But I've learned that my best writing springs from nourishing conversations with others.

I write about people, for people, so I view my social time as an opportunity to absorb my subject matter.

5. My best stuff is hand-written.

I had a phase where I experimented with using AI to learn my style and help write portions of my articles for me.

But I soon learned that the colour was drained from the piece when I did this.

I also lost my momentum as a writer, which is vital for putting out work that people genuinely love reading.

6. Become deeply attuned to your reader's pains.

It's difficult to resonate when you don't speak directly to your readers' real-life, everyday challenges.

This requires that you talk to them as much as you can. Ask them what pains them. Send surveys, read online comments, and get in people's DMs. Particularly if you write non-fiction, the one reason people come to you is to bring relief to their current problems.

Know what these are, point them toward a solution, and you'll have readers who return.

7. Your published work starts the moment your writing becomes emotionally charged.

You might be burning to write something that you have to get out there. In which case, great, write that and publish that.

That thing is sizzling. But often, we aren't revved up yet, and you may need a while to loosen up and write through the phase in your writing session in which you're not yet fully awake. Those first words get dumped.

When you start chuckling at your own words or feel a spark ignite as you write, you know you're entering territory that your readers will vibe with. That's gold.

8. Write first and early.

Don't leave your writing session until after you've done what seems 'urgent.'

Nothing waits if you've made that commitment. Writing is the non-negotiable, and so it should be.

More than most things, writing requires your creative tank to be at least relatively full. So don't leave it too late in the day.

Prioritise it like you'd prioritise feeding your baby when it's hungry.

9. Write to repel those you secretly hope don't ever read your words.

I hate to break it to you, but the best writers are polarising. You can't have die-hard fans if you appeal to everyone.

So turn up the heat and write things you know those who fall outside your tribe will dislike.

This alone will transform your writing.

Happy days.

Alex

Consistent writing to grow your brand is far more enjoyable when you know exactly how to improve your craft a little every day.

My Online Writing Alchemy course lays out the 16 secrets I learned through 15 years of experimenting, failing, and ultimately gathering over 200,000 readers.

Learn more here while the price is low.

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