Why Great Writing Starts With Unlearning

Although you were taught to write in school, here’s the hard truth: those rules are holding you back.

The five-paragraph essay? Out. Fancy vocabulary? Overrated. Perfect grammar? Sometimes optional.

Great writing for the real world isn’t about following rigid formulas. It’s about unlearning what made your English teacher nod in approval, and instead embracing clarity, persuasion, and raw impact.

Want proof? The most viral articles, gripping sales pages, and unforgettable newsletters don’t sound like textbooks. They sound like a smart friend explaining something urgent.

In this post, we’ll tear up the old rulebook and replace it with tactics that actually work:

• Why "writing like you talk" beats formal jargon every time
• The warm-up exercise that primes your brain for killer ideas (hint: it involves stealing)
• How to write headlines that hook readers in 3 seconds
• And why the best editing often looks like deleting half your words

If you’re ready to write with confidence, and clear thinking let’s begin.

(Spoiler: Your audience will thank you.)

Persuasion

Persuasion is the most scalable way to communicate your ideas and convince others to take action. By learning how to write persuasively, you can scale your influence and reach a wider audience. The first step to persuasion is to identify the emotion you want to evoke in your reader. Do you want to inspire them, educate them, or entertain them? Once you know the emotion you're aiming for, you can craft your message to resonate with your audience.

Thinking Clearly

Clear thinking is essential to effective writing. When you think clearly, you can communicate your ideas with precision and clarity. The reverse is also true: when you write clearly, you're forced to think clearly. By writing regularly, you can develop your critical thinking skills and clarify your thoughts.

The Power of Headlines

Your headline is the most important part of your writing. It's what grabs the reader's attention and draws them in. A great headline can make or break your article, so it's essential to craft a compelling one. One technique is to start with a headline and then write the sub-headline. This helps clarify your thoughts and ensure your writing is focused.

Unlearning the Rules of School

When it comes to writing on the internet, many of the rules you learned in school no longer apply. Instead of writing long, flowery sentences, aim for concise and conversational language. Target a fifth to eighth grade reading level to ensure your writing is easy to understand.

The Importance of Warm-Up Exercises

Before you start writing, it's essential to warm up. One technique is to do copy-work, where you write out someone else's work by hand. This helps you get into a flow state and prepares your brain for writing. By doing copy-work, you can develop your writing muscles and improve your skills. There's no need to write and refine an elaborate outline before you start. All you need is your headline and sub-headline.

The 4-Step Writing Process

The ideal blog writing process consists of four steps: copy-work, drafting, incubation, and editing. By following these steps, you can develop a writing routine that works for you and helps you produce high-quality content.

Conclusion

Great blog writing is a skill that can be developed with practice and dedication. By following the tips and techniques outlined in this guide, you can improve your writing skills and unlock the power of persuasion and clarity. Remember to start with the end in mind, warm up with copy-work, and edit your work carefully. With time and practice, you'll become a skilled writer capable of communicating your ideas with precision and clarity.