Argue With a Tree to Be a Better Writer

Do you know what makes a writer good?

Can it be found in "Writing 101" books? Well, a bit of it can, like grammar and punctuation.

But that's not what I'm talking about. Those are the basics. That's like the lawyer passing the bar exam. Sure, he can trial in theory. He knows the logistics and rules. But he does not know how to argue effectively. Or how to read a witness. Those are things that will not be taught in books. Those are things that he can only develop by looking within himself, first. One cannot know how to spot a liar lest one has lied themselves. But first he must know his truth- first, admit to himself that he did lie, and second, the deep truths as to how and why.

The key to being a good writer is to be honest with yourself. To know your truth. I can research all day and write about male platypus toenail fungus. Sure, the information I share will probably help someone. And I tend to drop a funny in even the most serious subjects so I might be able to coax a laugh outta you. Hell, I may even make a few bucks.

But it'll be just that. A textbook article on male platypus toenail fungus. There will be no passion. Readers will get their information, cure their duck billed fur baby, and move on.

When you know your truth, who you are and what makes you, well you, you not only sweep all bullshit aside, you set fire to all unnecessaries and let them turn to ash in the burn pile in the backyard. You arson the shit outta all the limiting ideas like "Will they like it" or "What will make it to the trending page" and "What if I add this- will my rewards be greater?"

When you know your truth you will write from your heart. You will write with a fire that burns longer and hotter than that trash blaze out back. Your passion will blast out of the page and into your readers hearts. You will be memorable.

Because you know your truth.