Congratulations on the book, Akash! This is an amazing achievement.
Great tips! As for looking for the perfect article: Yes, I feel the same. The only thing that helped was the deadline to write weekly. Otherwise, I would probably publish only once a year 🙃
Super relatable article and I think it applies everywhere, not just article writing.
I have the same thing sometimes when writing technical docs at work.
Loved your practical tips, particularly "writing a shitty first draft." Another way to say it is "lowering the bar of expectations." One of the best parts about writing is no one needs to see that first draft. You can always improve on it afterward. For me, it often takes me equal time to write the first draft and equal time or more to edit it into its final state.
The first draft is meant for nobody, and I experience the same thing. Even after having the clarity on it's just for me, I take long time to write the first draft. I think this is where the internal conflict between the goal of writing well and the fear of writing poorly comes into play.
Lately I have started calling my first draft "information gathering" to subconsciously lower the bar.
As a technologist I often find myself in this situation, as you know - the new, shiny, bright thing is calling my attention and arguable is more interesting to do. However, time and time again I have realized if you can refine the way you write, speak and profess, it leads to more deeper and structured thoughts. I've been practicing what you preach and can attest its been working out successfully for me.
So thanks for put it down on paper and sharing it.
Congratulations on the book, Akash! This is an amazing achievement.
Great tips! As for looking for the perfect article: Yes, I feel the same. The only thing that helped was the deadline to write weekly. Otherwise, I would probably publish only once a year 🙃
Thank you for the shoutout!
Thanks, Michal, for the wishes.
The struggle of writing the perfect piece always gets us. But, cadence keeps us on our toes. I'm glad it resonated with you.
Super relatable article and I think it applies everywhere, not just article writing.
I have the same thing sometimes when writing technical docs at work.
Loved your practical tips, particularly "writing a shitty first draft." Another way to say it is "lowering the bar of expectations." One of the best parts about writing is no one needs to see that first draft. You can always improve on it afterward. For me, it often takes me equal time to write the first draft and equal time or more to edit it into its final state.
Great article as always, Akash!
Glad you liked it, Jordan.
The first draft is meant for nobody, and I experience the same thing. Even after having the clarity on it's just for me, I take long time to write the first draft. I think this is where the internal conflict between the goal of writing well and the fear of writing poorly comes into play.
Lately I have started calling my first draft "information gathering" to subconsciously lower the bar.
This is super relatable.
As a technologist I often find myself in this situation, as you know - the new, shiny, bright thing is calling my attention and arguable is more interesting to do. However, time and time again I have realized if you can refine the way you write, speak and profess, it leads to more deeper and structured thoughts. I've been practicing what you preach and can attest its been working out successfully for me.
So thanks for put it down on paper and sharing it.
This happens to pretty much everyone.
Finding ways that works for you and make writing efficient is so important. I'm glad it resonated with you!
Akash you have made the process of writing very easy and also motivational
Thank you, sir! Glad you liked it!
Happy to be in your favourites of the week!
welcome, it was a great article.