How I Write
It’s a disservice to humanity to keep great thoughts to yourself. But the thoughts aren't great initially - remember that the world’s top minds became brilliant by the process of their writing. Writing isn’t hard, but sitting down to write is very hard. The danger is greatest for me when the finish line is in sight.
The following is how I write. I rarely follow this process exactly, but having it laid out helps me when I get stuck.
- Brainstorm a topic. Get to at least 100 ideas.
- Cross out anything that’s boring. Highlight anything that’s surprising.
- Find quotes saying smart things about a subject.
- Summarize each quote in your own words
- Brainstorm a thesis statement - make sure it's controversial (that only ~50% of the world would agree with). Don’t be boring. You can use the same process as above: 100 ideas, skip anything boring, highlight the surprising.
- Ask 10 questions about each summary. Then cross 5 of the least relevant questions off.
- Answer each remaining question with 10 more bullet points. Then cross 5 of them off.
- Research keywords from the new outline from people you follow on twitter or blogs you like. What questions come up? Add these to your bullet point outline.
- Edit and rewrite your points with the thinking hats exercise:
- Blue hat - controlled summary
- Green hat - creative/weird
- Red hat - feelings and instincts
- Yellow hat - the most positive light possible
- Black hat - cautious, critical
- White hat - get factual research
10. Brainstorm connections between unrelated ideas. Use these prompts whenever you get stuck: Write about a time you took right action on the topic, or incorrect action. Write about the dark side of it — the pain. Fall in love with the paragraph, and then write like you’re in love with it. Write about why it makes you feel vulnerable.
11. Run it through ChatGPT for editing and voice.
12. Edit again using Grammarly and the Hemingway app.
13. Send to a friend for a final edit.
14. Hit publish.