Table of Contents
1. My Writing Process
2. Writing Principles
1. My Writing Process
The work is around 50/50 phone/laptop, with a lot of variance.
Step 1. Note every flashing idea on reminder.1It’s not advertisement.2I write the thoughts down word for word (ASAP) because I forget them quickly.
(Delete insignificant/false notes)3“…it’s kinda obvious.” OR “…nah, it’s not true.”
Step 2. Move the notes to the “thoughts” file.4They’re all in sentences at this point. No structure or anything.
(With enough articulated materials)5There’s a clear main idea + ample evidence/logic. I have a good idea of what I’m writing about.
Step 3. Create a new file, Ctrl+X & Ctrl+V notes from “thoughts”. Write the rough draft.6Clumps of sentences.Edit until it’s “complete”.7I’m convinced that they can be published right away…but I’m always wrong. There’s something about reading on the computer(editor).
(If the file is deemed “publishable”)8Most thoughts aren’t ready (to be written). So they just sit in “thoughts” for months-forever.
Step 4. Ctrl+C & Ctrl+V on the computer. Add structure + flow. Reduce sentences(words). Formatting9headers, links, footnotes, bolds.. Then, grammarly check.
Step 5. Publish. Keep editing.10Mostly minor errors.11Back on my phone to proofread. There’s something about reading on the phone(website). I often find the posts inconcise.
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Phone vs. Computer
The phone is valuable for:
A. Writing thoughts down easily12I like writing, laying down. I dislike writing, sitting down.& quickly (unstructured idea generation), AND
B. Internal articulation13making clear sense in my head
The computer is valuable for:
A. Filling holes(in logic), hence finding new ideas (structured idea generation), AND
B. External articulation14trying to make writings as dense/easy-to-understand as possible, AND
C. Actually publishing (without delaying)15If the editor tab is open, I must get the job done. I don’t know why. It’s like there’s a time limit.
I sometimes write on paper. It’s nothing to be published, though.
Small Steps
There are many steps, so that each one is “easy”. I get overwhelmed easily, and I’m not disciplined at all. I can’t crank out posts by forcing myself on the computer.16Also, I wouldn’t have as (many) creative ideas.
I skip steps all the time. But when I do, I often get writer’s block & start procrastinating.
Process Design
I think having “my own” process is important. Following someone else’s just doesn’t work. “My process” is the only process I can follow.
Candidly, I didn’t “consciously” design this process. I somehow ended up writing like this. I basically fit the process by my brain circuitry.
Amount of Time
Notes take seconds/minutes. The actual(computer) writings take single-digit hours. And I spend ??? hours thinking.
It really depends, though.
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2. Writing Principles
*They’re modified all the time
The 3 main keys are:
#1: Bringing actual value
#2: Clarity
#3: Conciseness
- Include a hook (if I want more views)
- Symbols(visuals) > Words
- I need to be willing to read it. (That’s a really high bar.)
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Optimizing for Engagement
I don’t mean engagement by some e-commerce/SNS metric. I mean a high level of focus. For understanding. I want the reader to actively search & think.
Hence, I added a lot of footnotes/links. I also made the pages thinner (for more scrolling).
Optimizing for Comfort
I want to make reading pleasant; readers should be able to read for hours with no effort. Not like those philosophy books.
You can usually see the end of the block (so it’s not overwhelming). Sentences are rarely 20+ words. Paragraphs are rarely 5+ sentences. Also, thin pages minimize eye movement (and getting lost).
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Questions & comments are welcome!
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