Ask HN: How do you get better at writing, blog posts or otherwise?

4 pointsdaryllxd8y ago4 comments

Hi guys, how do you get better at writing?(General/tactical advice welcome.)

In the past few months, I've written a lot of drafts, but it's so hard to publish posts. I just can't get sentence construction (for now, I hope). I have a structure of points I want to make, but I somehow just keep on writing the same boring sentences. Any actionable tips, books, blogs, whatever to help?

4 comments

cimmanom8y ago

Practice, feedback, and reading a lot of writing of the sort you want to emulate.

The last point is subtle but important. After reading a trilogy by an author with a distinctive writing style I'll find myself unconsciously writing and even speaking in a voice similar to theirs.

Publish even what's imperfect so you can get feedback. Oh, and short sentences are good: they're easy to understand!

brudgers8y ago

Without publishing, it is impossible to write blog posts. Publishing is more important than sentence structure to readers.

daryllxdOP8y ago

Christ, that's right. "Without publishing, it is impossible to write blog posts." I should just keep on publishing because (this is just my thought process right now, not so sure about this):

- People can figure out points, because I've gotten things from blog posts with so-so sentence composition but brilliant points. As long as the points make sense, an article that's badly written from the technical perspective still has some value. - Everything can be edited or deleted anyway.

Thanks!

miguelbemartin8y ago

In my opinion, I think the better way to write better is to write a personal journal. Only for you.

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