Start? You're already writing. Make every Facebook entry you
post as if it was going to be published in the most esteemed
publication you could imagine. Imagine a single comment you
write will reverberate across time, spoken by millions, long
after you're no longer aware. Treat each sentence with the same
importance you would a paper that's about to get reviewed by the
most rigorous journal, the most critical professor, the most
judgmental public.... ... and if you can stand behind them and
say: I SAID THAT! I AM JES SCOTT AND THOSE ARE MY WORDS! Then
you're doing it right. and a PS: As far as style goes? That's
just structured writing. Hate it myself. Can't stand it. Even in
school, the "introduction, three points and a conclusion" model
in elementary drove me nuts and I'd never follow it. Then again,
I also never wrote for money. But... I am successful at
expressing what I'm thinking in words that I feel are clear and
accurate, if not entirely precise [precision gives me a
headache] and to me, that is victory. I still have a long way to
go: I need to type about 800 wpm for that. But for now, I can
work with this. Your goals may differ. Your mileage may vary.
But I think the 'gist of it is correct: just as Ethan had said
once, so very long ago: "If you want to get good at writing,
write. Start now, write what you know, and don't get discouraged
at crazy comments or negative feedback. The "practice" of
writing will be a better education than any course ever will."
-Ethan Siegel, 2015, 12th Month, 21st Day, Five Hours Prior to
this Publication.
