The easiest way to get better at writing

Like most weirdos, I like jazz.

Let me explain.

When you learn to play jazz, you learn two things.

1. There are no wrong notes
2. It sounds better if you play the right notes

The easiest way to learn jazz “improv” is NOT blasting random notes.

It’s copying.

I spent hours copying the best jazz solos I could find. Writing every note down by hand.

Why?

It’s the best way to learn what sounds good. You copy enough music, you get a great idea of what works.

I’ll let you in on a little secret.

This is how you get better at writing.

And I’ll teach you how to do it. Right now.

First, you gotta do three things for me..

• Tap into a sense of childhood wonder and curiosity
• Grab a pen and paper
• Chuck your phone in another room

You’ve done all that? Good. Let’s continue.

Great news: I’m giving you a choice for this next part.

• Sam Parr – How To Use Words
• Scott Adams – The day you became a better writer
• Shaan Puri – Goals are overrated

Pick one of these articles. Print it out. If you’re under the age of 90 and don’t have a printer, pull it up on your computer.

Now, this next part might seem stupid. But trust me, it works.

Copy every single word, by hand, onto your paper.

Don’t speed run this. Take your time.

Pay close attention to the words. The length. The sentence structure. The long words and the short words. The way each paragraph flows into the next. 

Do this enough, and you’ll notice something. Something BIG.

You’ll notice what you like. That’s good. That means you’re learning how to write. 

But don’t skip this next step.

If you see something you like, keep it for yourself. Be selfish. You’ll want to use it later, right?

Make a swipe file for your favorite words. A swipe file is just what it sounds like; a little secret stash of great writing. Here’s mine. You can write yours down. Or keep it in your notes app.

Great. You’re ready for the last step.

Rewrite the copy.

Take what you’ve written down, plus your swipes, and rewrite the copy.

You can make it shorter, or less professional, or more funny. Do whatever you want.

That’s the best, and easiest way, to learn how to write better.

That wasn’t so hard, was it?