Engage
What makes writing possible for you? How do you find time to read throughout your day? What habits help you be a better writer? What helps you engage?
In order to be a more engaged reader and effective writer, read and write as much as you can. – Dorsey Armstrong
Analysis and Critique: How to Engage and Write About Anything by Dorsey Armstrong.
One of the ways I find time to read is to listen to audio books while driving in the car. I live less than 15 miles from work, but there are days when the commute can be brutal, extending the drive time from the average 20 minutes to 45 minutes or an hour depending on traffic. Dorsey Armstrong’s lecture, Analysis and Critique: How to Engage and Write About Anything, is one of the Audible Audiobooks I read during the prolonged period of commuting.
From that reading through listening, I gleaned five habits from her course. These habits that can not only improve your writing, but also help you sharpen your skills in public speaking, and strengthen your discipline around work or study. Five habits that are actionable and can be implemented immediately without much prep time.
One: Be Active
- Goal is to be engaged in both listening and reading
- Active, insightful reading makes us better writers
- Active Reading – go after the learning
- Passive Listening – receive the insights
Two: Practice
- Practice makes your writing readable
- The haste always shows
- No matter what you write, make sure you have a well thought out main position
- Articulate your main point with clarity
- Always spell things out
- Don’t want the reader to work too hard to understand
Three: Give Yourself Time
- Enough time:
- To do research if needed
- Take your time when starting a new writing project
- Allow the writing to happen
- Don’t force the process
Four: Give Yourself Permission
- To write poorly
- A liberating exercise to help you get better
- Expanding mindset
- To develop a writing habit that works for you
Five: Commit to the Editing Process
- Best way to be effective is to be selective
- Reading your writing aloud is great for checking your work for errors
- Be intently mindful to make your writing the best it can be
Engage
Be Active. Practice. Give yourself time. Give yourself permission. Commit to the editing process. You are a work in progress, moving toward the best possible outcome as a writer, as a speaker, as an artist, as whatever you aspire to become.
What makes writing possible for you? What habits help you get there?
I welcome your comments.
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