Lesson #1 – Writing is Magic

“You can approach the act of writing with nervousness, excitement, hopefulness, or even
despair–the sense that you can never completely put on the page what’s in your mind and heart.
You can come to the act with your fists clenched and your eyes narrowed, ready to kick ass and
take down names. You can come to it because you want a girl to marry you or because you want
to change the world. Come to it any way but lightly. Let me say it again: you must not come
lightly to the blank page.” – Stephen King, On Writing

I came across this wonderful thought while reading King’s autobiography.

This is a great thought for all writers – ‘You must not come lightly to the blank page’.

For a writer, a blank page represents what Mount Everest was to Hillary and Tenzing. It signifies
what the moon mission was to Neil Armstrong.

Writing offers an astonishing journey to the uncharted regions of our imagination

Writing is a formidable challenge to the literary spirit of adventure within us.

Writing, and I mean good writing, comes with passion. If you aren’t passionate about putting
your words through writing, chances are dim that you will become a good writer.

Over the past 15+ years since I’ve been an active writer, I have come to know that good writing
is an art. And as an artist, one requires three key attributes to become a good writer –

1. He needs motivation – A reason to actually go through the trouble.

2. He needs imagination – To see what others don’t.
3. He needs word-power – Words that create magic!

If you don’t have these attributes, or even one of them, you don’t qualify to become a good
writer. In fact, it’s a self-reinforcing cycle.

The more you are motivated and imaginative, the better writer you can become.
And the better you get in your writing, the more motivated you become, and the greater are your
imaginative powers.

Writing is a Gruelling and Lonely Business

You don’t have to be crazy to write. But it helps.

This is what Douglas Adams, the famous English writer and dramatist once said about writing –

First of all, realize that it’s very hard, and that writing is a gruelling and lonely business and,
unless you are extremely lucky, badly paid as well. You had better really, really, really want to
do it.

Given that the best of writing happens when you close all doors from the noise that interrupts
you, writing cuts you off from the rest of the world. You get submerged in your imagination and
memories to pull out stories that will be read.

Finally, just to quote Stephen King again –

Writing isn’t about making money, getting famous, getting dates, getting laid, or making friends.
In the end, it’s about enriching the lives of those who will read your work, and enriching your
own life, as well.

Writing is magic, as much the water of life as any other creative art. The water is free. So drink.
Drink and be filled up.

That’s also my invitation to you. Whatever ideas on writing that I will share through the Write It
Right course will be free like water, always.

So drink. Drink and be filled up.

Happy writing!
Lesson #2 – Writing Is About Being Human
Ever wondered why Facebook is such a rage?

The answer is simple – it connects people with people.

People feel good when they find their long lost friends on Facebook. They are happy to connect
with them, chat with them, send and receive messages from them, or simply share photographs
with them.

“What’s your Facebook profile?” has now become as common as “What’s your name?”

Anyways, like there are lessons to be learned from successful people and companies, there’s
something that Facebook has taught me about writing.

And it is that I must write not what I want to write, but what you – my dear reader – want to
read.

How Do You Feel When You Read My Writing?

Well, that’s a very relevant question for any writer.

Knowing how the reader feels, is the surest way a writer can make his writing friendly and
honest.

You see, people want to deal with people. The earlier the writers understand and appreciate this
fact, the better it is for them.

In this age of social media, we are already seeing that the warm, touchy-feely, and authentic
interactions are replacing the formal relationships that writers used to have with their readers.

‘Writing from the soul’ is what matters now, especially when readers have short attention spans
and are looking for something that hooks them…something that engages them in a way that they
are swept away into a make-believe world where all their problems vanish.

Writers who can write this way – for the people, and from their soul – will be read. Those who
fail to do this will struggle to find readers.

Writing is About Being Human

What good writing comes down to is being human and addressing your readers as people.

But just because you are a human, doesn’t mean you understand your readers well.

You can’t impose your singular point of view on all your readers. This is why most writers are
introverts (like I am).
Introverts always look inside themselves to understand and reflect. But writers have to
understand and reflect on the outside world too.

If you think you don’t get people, there are some things you can do to learn –

 Study your relationships

 Read novels and storybooks
 Read psychology and human behaviour
 Watch dramas
 Watch people

Writing is like painting a picture by pulling out the colours and characters from your
imagination.

In order to draw people from memory, you have to understand the human form by practicing to
draw from a model.

Just try it and observe the response (of your readers).

It might just make them, and you, smile.

Lesson #3 – It’s Only Words, And Words Are
All I Have…
“It’s only words, and words are all I have, to take your heart away…” sang the Irish boy band,
Boyzone.

As a writer, too, it’s only words, and words are all I have to encourage you, inspire you, comfort
you, help you, engage you, and teach you.

In fact, the only weapon writers have of influencing their readers are their words.

The pen has often been termed as being mightier than the sword. And thus are words, mightier
than any others means of influence.

I’ve been fascinated with words for as long as I can remember, and after reading my father’s
writings that got me to writing, I began a life-long journey into the power of words.

When words are read not only as groups of characters, but as thoughts or emotions, the real
power of words can help, inspire, encourage, and motivate us.

It’s more than fifteen years since my daughter was born. But I can still remember that day, when
the doctor shouted – “It’s a girl!” Those 3 words changed my life. That’s the power of words.

I still remember the last words from the person who interviewed me for my first job, way back in
2003, when I was struggling to get one. He said, “You’re hired!” These words still ring in my
ears when I look back to those days.

And then, I just saw a handwritten note given to me ten years back by my wife with the words, “I
love you!” Can anything ever come close to words like these?

So, words encourage, words inspire, words bring us comfort, and words teach.

As a writer, if I cannot use words – and the right kind of words – to encourage, inspire, comfort,
and teach, my purpose won’t be solved.

But then, how do I know which words connect with my readers i.e., you, and which don’t?

I Must Talk to You, Not Write to You

That’s the best way a writer can connect to his readers – by talking to them, and in their
language, instead of writing to them in his own language.

Content that sounds friendly, and is written in an easy, conversational language, really makes
people want to read on.
And the easiest way to make your content friendly (and thus powerful) is to use easy words –
words that come first to your mind, not words that you find out from the Thesaurus.

It’s always good to put ‘a cop in the car’ instead of ‘a policeman in the automobile’.

Don’t write ‘emolument’ when you can write ‘tip’.

If you accuse someone of being a ‘poltroon’, you may better call him a ‘coward’.

If you do not want your readers to ‘doubt’ you, never use ‘dubiety’.

And if you use ‘velleities’, you must not have more than ‘distant hopes’ to succeed as a good
writer.

You see, the point I’m trying to make here is that writers must keep their readers in mind.

Anything that distracts from the message, and anything that makes the message harder to
understand, is a hazard.

“The test of good writing,” said Ernest Hemingway, “is how much good writing you can cut out
of it.”

This is to say that you should not use a word or phrase just because it sounds good. It also has to
move the story ahead in some way so that your reader feels enriched, refreshed, and motivated
after reading you.
Lesson #4 – What My Child Taught Me
About Good Writing
“Why can’t I buy that Lego set, Papa?”

“You already have another one like that.”

“But why can’t I buy one more?”

“You won’t like playing with two almost similar sets. Isn’t it?”

“Why are you saying this?”

“I know that dear, because I was a kid myself!”

“Why have you grown up, Papa? If you were still small, you could have played and enjoyed with
me and my toys!”

“Everyone has to grow up, my baby!”

“Why Papa? Why?”

Why? Why? Why?

If you’re a parent of a small child, you most likely hear this question several times during a day –
“Why?”

While all children are inquisitive, there are some who love to prick your brain by asking
questions until they find a satisfactory reply from you.

My nine-year-old son falls in this category of hyper-inquisitives.

I find myself bombarded with him questions every now and then.

There are some questions that I have replies for. And then there are many for which I have no
replies. But overall, I enjoy his questions as they most often force me to think beyond the
obvious to pull out the answers.

There is a reason a child asks so many ‘Why?’ questions. And this is something most adults
don’t understand.

The reason is that when a child asks a question on a subject he is not familiar with, he has no
point of reference. In simple words, he is coming from nowhere in his inquisitiveness regarding
his question.
It’s same as you walking into a space scientists convention. Would you be able to understand the
intelligent discussion that’s going on, or even ask a simple question that didn’t give the scientists
the hint that you don’t fit in with the crowd?

I bet most of us couldn’t, because most of us have no point of reference regarding space science.

Similarly, a child will continue to ask questions till the time he gets something that he
understands and appreciates.

Readers are like Kids

Yes, that’s what your readers are…like kids.

They won’t understand your writing if you use difficult words, complex explanations, and overt
promises.

They will pester you with ‘Why?’ till they receive an answer from you that they can understand
and appreciate, and can relate with.

The only difference between your child and your reader is that while the former confronts you
face to face, the latter will ask questions mentally – often without realizing that he (the reader) is
questioning each and every of your written words.

A reader will ask –

 Why has the writer written like this?

 Why has he chosen words that I don’t understand?
 Why hasn’t he explained things in an easier manner?
 Why is he playing games with my mind and not getting to the point?

You see, if your reader were to ponder on any of these questions, his first reaction will be to
withdraw himself from your writing, and from you.

He will feel threatened, intimidated by you, and will thus become defensive.

Unlike in the case of a child, you cannot take your reader aside for a few minutes and explain to
him the entire matter in a simpler way, or talk quietly with him.

What If You Behave Badly with Your Reader?

I have been guilty of bad behaviour with my son, mostly when his pranks get out of control. But
whenever I am wrong, I admit it and apologise to him. Your reader also expects the same from
you.

First, do no harm. But if you still do some harm to your reader, which you might come to know
from the feedback you receive on your writing, admit if you made a mistake, and apologise.
This may prick the ego of some of you authoritarians out there who think you’re above
apologizing to your reader. But if you want to evoke good behaviour from him, try setting the
example yourself.

Being a parent, you must already know the power of setting examples for your child.

And being a parent, you must already know that your ego is not as important as your child.

I know, and I thank my son for showing me the way and helping me become a better father, and
a better writer.
Lesson #5 – What I Learned from Warren
Buffett, The Writer
One of the key characteristics of the world’s most charismatic men is their uncanny ability to
engage people. After all, this is what makes them charismatic.

All these men – like Steve Jobs, Warren Buffett, or Jeff Bezos – engage people like no one else
does. As they speak their first words, the world is all ears.

Take Warren Buffett for instance. He is inarguably the world’s best investor. After reading his
annual reports for more than a decade, I now also count him among the most charismatic writers
I’ve ever come across.

Buffett’s annual reports to shareholders are masterpieces, year after year. And he’s writing those
plain-white zero-graphic booklets for the past five decades.

Pick up any other annual report other than Berkshire Hathaway’s (Buffett’s company), and you
will know what I’m talking about.

Almost 99% of other annual reports follow the ‘safe, bland, reassuring’ route. The ‘letter to
shareholders’ are written by expert writers (and not CEOs themselves), and most contain
language that is the best fit for a dull, dreary advertisement.

Buffett, on the other hand, writes each and every word of his ‘letter to shareholders’. And this is
the reason his letters carry the touch that other annual reports miss.

Take a look at his latest letter to shareholders and you’ll know what I mean.

So what is it that makes Buffett stand apart from other CEOs? Why are his letters so engaging?

The answer – There are some rules of good writing that Buffett follows, which makes his
investors and others (like me) await eagerly for his letter to shareholders every year, and gorge
on it as soon as it comes out.

Buffett’s Rules of Writing Brilliantly

Here is what makes Buffett’s writing awesome and engaging.

1. Tells stories: Buffett is a master storyteller. Reading his letter to shareholders is like sitting
across a dining table with an old pal who possesses both intelligence and insatiable curiosity. In
his 2010 letter, here’s how he described his intention to buy companies with his company’s
excess cash – “We will need both good performance from our current businesses and more
major acquisitions. We’re prepared. Our elephant gun has been reloaded, and my trigger finger
is itchy.”
Which other CEO would describe his company’s cash as an ‘elephant gun’ and himself having
an ‘itchy trigger finger’? But this is how Buffett makes difficult explanations look simpler,
because this is the way people understand and this is what they like to read.

2. Uses vivid language: “We are not natively smarter than we were when our country was
founded nor do we work harder. But look around you and see a world beyond the dreams of any
colonial citizen. Now, as in 1776, 1861, 1932 and 1941, America’s best days lie ahead.”

Notice how he takes the reader to the distant centuries and raises hopes of the Americans who
are currently facing tough economic conditions. Vividness is what best describes how Buffett
discusses situations, good or bad. And vividness is what makes reading his annual reports such
an entertaining affair.

3. Brings in people: “We love our employees.” “We are an employee-friendly organization.”
“We take care or all our employees’ needs.” This is how most CEOs talk about their employees
in their annual reports.

But Buffett is different. He doesn’t talk about his view on his employees. He shows it.

Here’s an example of how he shows his appreciation for one of his long-time employees, Ajit
Jain – “From a standing start in 1985, Ajit has created an insurance business with float of $30
billion and significant underwriting profits, a feat that no CEO of any other insurer has come
close to matching. By his accomplishments, he has added a great many billions of dollars to the
value of Berkshire. Even kryptonite bounces off Ajit.”

When someone writes about people using such words, how can you not keep reading?

4. Uses humour: “Our team resembles a baseball squad composed of all-stars having vastly
different batting styles. Changes in our line-up are seldom required.”

This is how Buffett describes his top managers. Or take for matter his description of an
opportunity where his various companies are eyeing the same company to acquire –
“Competition for the few opportunities that are available tends to become fierce. The seller has
the upper hand, as a girl might if she were the only female at a party attended by many boys.
That lopsided situation would be great for the girl, but terrible for the boys.”

Every letter that Buffett writes brims with jokes. He’ll even shock you by bringing in humour
where you’d least expect it. This is what only a master writer can do.

5. Shows enthusiasm: Good writing is good description that begins in the writer’s imagination
and ends in the reader’s. An enthusiastic writer leads to an enthusiastic reader. This is a simple
rule of good writing that Buffett understands very well.

His enthusiasm for going to work every day, even at his ripe age, shines brightly through his
letters. As he writes, “The good news: At 76, I feel terrific and, according to all measurable
indicators, am in excellent health. It’s amazing what Cherry Coke and hamburgers will do for a
fellow.”

Read Buffett to Become a Better Writer

I have been reading Buffett’s letters since 2006, and have read all his letters dating back to 1959,
when he was managing an investment partnership. This was before Berkshire came into his life.

Even after reading so much of him, I look forward to each March to the arrival of his brand new
letter and thoroughly enjoy reading every word of it.

I now suggest that if you want to improve your writing and become a good writer, you must read
Buffett…and a lot of him.

Finally, here’s a golden piece of advice on becoming a good writer, from Buffett himself –

Write with a specific person in mind. When writing Berkshire Hathaway’s annual report, I
pretend that I’m talking to my sisters. I have no trouble picturing them: Though highly
intelligent, they are not experts in accounting or finance. They will understand plain English, but
jargon may puzzle them. My goal is simply to give them the information I would wish them to
supply me if our positions were reversed. To succeed, I don’t need to be Shakespeare; I must,
though, have a sincere desire to inform.

No siblings to write to? Borrow mine: Just begin with “Dear Doris and Bertie.
Lesson #6 – Improve Your Writing By
Making It Low Grade
High grades are always equated with high intelligence and brilliance.

However when it comes to writing, the most popular grading system works inversely.

I am talking about the Flesh-Kincaid grading scale (F-K Grade), a statistical program in
Microsoft Word designed to measure simplicity of expression.

Simplicity of expression is an important quality of good writing.

One of the most useful tools I have come across to achieve simplicity in writing is the Flesch–
Kincaid (F-K) Readability Tests.

These tests are readability tests designed to indicate how difficult a passage in English is to
understand. There are two tests, the Flesch Reading Ease, and the Flesch–Kincaid Grade Level.
Although they use the same core measures (word length and sentence length), they have different
weighting factors.

In simple terms, F-K calculates:

1. Average number of words per sentence

2. Average number of syllables per sentence
3. Frequency of passive and complex constructions

Most magazine and newspaper writing falls between grade levels 8 and 12, which means a child
studying in grade 8 to 12 can understand what they write.

Academic and scientific text is generally in the 10 to 14 range.

Dialogue tends to be graded at the 4 to 6 levels.

To make your writing easy to understand, a grade rating of 7 to 8.5 must be your goal.

Anything higher isn’t permissible.

Now the questions that arise are – Is it reasonable to want to achieve a low F-K grade for each
piece of content you write? Can you really bring down the F-K score without also bringing down
the quality of the content?

The short answer is – yes.

You can get your F-K scores into the 7 to 8.5 category even if your content is full of big,
beautiful ideas.

Not only will your ideas be preserved, but they might also be improved by simplicity.

How to Reduce the F-K Grade and Make Your Writing

Simpler?
Well, there are six steps that I use to try to make my writing simpler and score a lower F-K
grade.

1. Write about one – and only one – big idea at a time. Figure out exactly what you want to
say. Stick to that and eliminate other, unrelated ideas, even if you think they are interesting.

2. Break down long and complex sentences into shorter ones.

3. Tell a story. Stories have two advantages.

1. They are concrete, not abstract. That means they are usually told in simple, active
sentences.
2. Stories involve readers emotionally. They make the reader care about the idea.

4. Avoid complex sentences. This you can do by sticking to one idea. Avoid the use of ‘since’,
‘whereas’, ‘in as much as’, ‘notwithstanding’, ‘therefore’ etc. When your thinking is unclear,
they are more likely to appear.

5. Use active sentences (Vishal kicked the ball) that score lower than passive (The ball was
kicked by Vishal.) They are easier to understand. And they carry more emotional power.

6. Use dialogues. If it is natural i.e., the kind of speech that ordinary people engage in, it will
grade at 4 to 6. Like story-telling, dialogues make the idea come to life in an emotionally
compelling way.

Activating the F-K Grade system

Click here for a small tutorial on how you can activate the F-K tests on your machine.

Then, after you spell-check your Word document, you will see a box like this:
The F-K Grade is mentioned as the last parameter in this box, and there you need to look at the
grade your article scores.

Remember again, the lower this grade is, the simpler is your writing.

I use this tool regularly and find it very helpful.

Invariably, when my F-K Grade gets high (9.0 or higher), the article that I write doesn’t score
well on the popularity charts.

You see, good writing is all about being simple. The F-K can help your writing be simple.
Lesson #7 – 5 Quick Tips to Clear Writing
“More important than the quest for certainty is the quest for clarity,” said the famous writer and
journalist Francois Gautier.

Clarity is the ultimate thing readers are looking for in your writing.

But how do you get clarity in your writing?

Here are five quick ways to get that.

1. Talk
Talk to your reader as you would talk to your friend. This way, you will be able to open up your
thoughts and words better. Nothing engages people other than a heartfelt conversation with a
close friend. Be that friend to your reader.

2. Specific
Be very specific with your topic. Just write about one, and just one key idea.

‘I grow a lot of flowers in my backyard’ is less specific than ‘I grow 20 varieties of flowers in my
backyard, including lilies, roses, acacias, violets, and tulips.’ And you know which out of these
is more interesting for the reader.

3. Care
Care for your reader. Try to understand what he wants from you and expects of you, then write
accordingly. Don’t embarrass him by using words he won’t understand. Don’t waste his time
writing stuff he would not like to read.

4. Short
There is a great power in brevity. So write short sentences and paragraphs. Don’t overwrite. But
if you still do, just cut it short.

5. Active
Use the active voice. This is what makes writing more direct and clear.

‘I went to America’ is active, and thus more direct and powerful than ‘America was visited by
me’.
Lesson #8 – 5 Simple Steps to Remarkably
Inspirational Writing
Have you realized what makes you remember a book long after you first read it?

Have you realized what makes your heart sing when you listen to your favourite music
composition?

There is something about these forms of art – writing or music – that touched something deep
inside and inspired you to view the world from a different perspective.

It’s ‘inspiration’, my friend.

Inspiration is all about tapping into the energy inside of you that’s just waiting to come out.

As a writer, I’ve found a way to do that in my writing, and that’s exactly what I’ll share with you
today as you keep reading.

So let’s dive right into the 5 simple steps you must take to make your writing remarkably
inspirational.

1. Find your passion

This must be the most important step in anything you do to earn your living. Find what you’re
passionate about and that sets your soul on fire. As a writer, when you are passionate, it will
come out through in your articles.

I’ve found this with experience. The more passionate I am about writing on a topic, the better is
the quality of my writing. And it shows.

2. Capture inspiration
Having the passion to create something also needs that that you capture those moments of
inspiration that gives wings to your passion.

Inspiration can come in any form and at any time. For me, the moments of maximum inspiration
come when I go for my morning walks, when I’m playing with my kids, and at midnight. I also
carry a notepad to record things that I observe around so that I don’t miss out on the inspiration
that life can provide me any second.

3. Get over that nagging fear

I have butterflies in my stomach whenever I am about to hit the ‘publish’ button. I am nervous.
But this nervousness is nothing as compared to the anxiety that I faced in the early part of my
writing career.
“What will people think of me after reading that? That I am a fool with zero creativity and
shallow knowledge?” This is what I used to think before publishing my writing earlier.

See, everyone has a little bit of fear when it comes to publishing their writing. But as I’ve
realized over the years, your writing may not be perfect, and most of the time it doesn’t have to
be. All your writing needs to do is convey the message that you have inside. That’s inspirational
enough.

4. Experiment with your writing

Writing isn’t a manufactured product. It’s a product of your mind, and thus you have the
flexibility to experiment with it as much as you can, and till you find your true written voice.

I have fun when I write. There are some days that I’m out of inspiration. Words are hard to come
by. Then there are days when I am flooded with new ideas and when everything seems to be
crystal clear.

Writing isn’t about being perfect. At least this is what I believe. It is something I enjoy doing,
and a way of expressing what’s inside of me to my readers – you.

5. Accept your ‘worst’ critic

It’s you…your inner critic. He will always be there to criticize your work, but his intention will
always be to help you. To best understand what your inner critic likes and dislikes, talk to him as
often as possible. Trust him, and his feedback.

Just relax and enjoy the amazing capabilities that you already have for writing. Before you know,
you will start producing amazingly inspirational content effortlessly.

I know you can.

Lesson #9 – 10 Tips for Enjoyable Writing
“Life is actually really simple, but we insist on making it complicated.” ~ Confucius

If you work in a creative field like writing, there comes a time (or many times) you feel a
burnout. You are exhausted, feel depleted, and lack inspiration and motivation.

You begin doubting your capabilities and the value of your work. Your enthusiasm is missing.
Your ideas have dried up and you fear everything you write isn’t worth publishing.

In such times, use the following 10 tips to bring the joy back to your writing and other areas of
your life.

1. Clear your desk

A cluttered workspace reflects a cluttered mind. So clear your desk and its surrounding. A neat
desk will help you stay focused and clear. Have ready access to only the necessities. Find a place
for everything else or get rid of it.

2. Read books on writing

Read good books on writing for enjoyment. Read ‘On Writing’ by Stephen King and ‘Elements
of Style’ by Strunk & White. You’ll find newer perspectives on good writing everytime you read
them.

3. Write for yourself

Having readers who enjoy your work is a proud feeling. But if you really want to enjoy writing,
learn to write for yourself. Find pleasure in your writing. The purpose of writing for yourself is
to express yourself for your eyes only. It’s liberating.

4. Chill out
You can kill the stress or boredom that can come from writing continuously by just chilling out.
Go for a walk. Write your diary. Listen to music. Relax. Begin writing again once you are
relaxed. You’ll find a new energy.

5. Disconnect
What will happen if you don’t check your emails or Facebook and Twitter messages for a day or
two? The world won’t end, right? In the same way, taking a 15 minute break after writing for an
hour or working online will refresh you. So disconnect. Go outside for a breath of fresh air. Sit
silently and gaze out a window.

6. Connect
Writers love to work in isolation (like I do). But it’s very important to seek help and support
from people we trust – like a coach, a friend or family member. Whenever you face a problem,
seek a second opinion for the solution.
7. Connect with yourself
Between writing, checking emails, Facebook or Twitter, take a few moments to pause and
breathe. Take a day off. Spend a day touring your city or some other city. Choose to do
something unrelated to writing.

8. Change your lifestyle

Avoid sugar and caffeine to avoid rapid burnouts. Drink enough water and get adequate sleep. I
learned to meditate, and it has helped me immensely. Get outside and move. Hike to the top of a
mountain. You’ll feel you’ve conquered the world.

9. Change your setting

J.K. Rowling wrote her first Harry Potter book in a cafe. Some top writers recommend writing in
coffee shops, restaurants, or another external setting. It’s easy to get distracted by the household
chores when you work and write from home.

10. Expand your mind

Learn new things. Study a second language, read poems and stories about great philosophers,
play with your ever-questioning kids. Avoid depressing news.

Remember there is no end to creativity. When you give yourself some breathing space and
change the way you work, creativity leaps from every page.
Lesson #10 – What Writing Every Day
Taught Me About Living
“Observe Everything. Communicate Well. Draw, Draw, Draw,” said Frank Thomas, the famous
Disney animator, when asked to give advice to young animators.

Without doubt, Thomas was asking the youngsters to be creative each day of their lives.

Creativity is in fact the heart and soul of every artist, including a writer. But the truth is that
doing creative work each day, over and over, is hard.

Sometimes the feeling that comes from being creative is great. This is the time when dozens of
ideas are knocking at your mind’s door, waiting to be sent on a mission.

But then there are days when you just want to quit. You are at a loss of ideas while staring at the
blank page.

Writing has been a great teacher for me over the years. It has taught me many things, including
some that have changed my life.

From “I don’t have time to do so many things in a day” five years back, my thoughts have
shifted to “I can do so many things in a day, and do them well.”

This is one of the key lessons the practice of writing each day has taught me.

Most of us complain about not having enough time. But the truth is there’s a lot of time we have
to do whatever we want, but we’re not willing to make the sacrifices to do it.

What Writing Taught Me

Here are three things that writing has taught me about living life in general and creativity in
particular:

1. There’s more inside of you than you think: If someone had told me in 2006 that I would be
running two businesses in five years, writing daily, managing clients, while working from home,
I would have laughed out loud.

Now, sometimes it happens that people ask me how I keep coming up with thoughtful ideas to
write almost each day. My answer is simple, “The more I write, the more new ideas I get.”

Writing has made me realize that there’s more inside of me than what I’d have ever imagined.
And this is simply because I’m passionately involved in whatever I’m writing.

Even when I’m not writing, I’ve started looking at things from new perspectives, simply because
I’ve started ‘seeing’ them.
So, believe me when I say, there is more inside of you than you think. There are years of
creativity in you that will only get deeper and more beautiful over time.

2. Every moment is an opportunity to learn: Life, we learn too late, is in the living…in the
tissue of every day and hour. This is what writing has made me realize.

Earlier I used to just live while making plans and worrying about the future. But my practice of
writing daily has forced me to look for inspiration everywhere…each hour…each day.

Every conversation, every song, every walk, every book I read now seems like an opportunity to
learn.

3. Don’t fear criticism: “Is this a really nice article that I’ve written? What if nobody likes it?
What if they think I’m a fool after they’ve read it?”

These were some of the thoughts I had before publishing my writing five years back. I was afraid
of the negative reaction people would have. Or that they may not have a reaction at all.

I feared people would make a mockery of me and think I’m too young, shallow, or uninformed
to be a writer. But as I’ve come to realize over these years is that as a creative, you can’t allow
criticism to control you. Otherwise, your ideas will stay inside of you instead of spilling out.

Writing has taught me this: stop fearing criticism…just keep creating.

So there it is. I now can’t imagine a day when I won’t write. Every time I’m staring at a blank
page, I say to myself, “Go do it. Someone’s awaiting your brilliance.”

If there’s one lesson I’d like you to take away from this post, it would be this…

Whenever you’re feeling low before staring at a creative task, or even while living your life, just
tell yourself – “Go do it. Someone’s awaiting your brilliance.”