To master writing, one should physically copy out well-written articles, similar to how a music student transcribes a composer's score. This practice forces an intimate understanding of the author's choices in syntax, rhythm, and sentence structure.
To move from "reading" a script to "breathing" it, print it out and read it aloud. After each full reading, black out one word with a marker. Repeat this process until the entire page is black, forcing complete memorization and internalization.
The fastest path to creating high-quality work is through prolific creation, not perfectionism. Like a ceramics class graded on volume, producing more content provides the necessary practice and feedback to rapidly improve your skills.
To become a better writer, don't just read—transcribe. The physical act of handwriting successful sales copy or literature forces you to internalize its rhythm, word choice, and structure. This 'copywork' practice builds muscle memory for effective writing, much like a musician practicing scales.
Great writing is not a stroke of genius but a craft of intense iteration. Observing Y Combinator founder Paul Graham showed that he would rewrite a single sentence dozens of times to achieve clarity and impact. This process of refinement is the key to persuasive and concise communication, demystifying the path to becoming a better writer.
Instead of trying to create something entirely new, effective copywriters begin their process by finding successful examples to model. Dave Gerhardt's first step for a new landing page or newsletter is to analyze best-in-class work from others to understand what works.
Margaret Atwood reveals she trained as a young writer by intentionally mimicking famous authors. This practice, rather than being plagiarism, is a powerful exercise for understanding stylistic nuances and ultimately developing a unique, original voice. It is a form of deliberate practice.
An investor can have pages of notes yet still lack clarity. The most critical step is synthesizing this raw data by writing a cohesive narrative. This act of writing forces critical thinking, connects disparate points, and elevates understanding in a way that passive consumption cannot.
When learning, focus exclusively on observable inputs that produce desired outputs. Avoid getting lost in psychological or emotional explanations for why something works. A tennis coach physically corrects your grip; they don't analyze your childhood to understand why you hold the racket wrong. Focus on what people do.
The process of writing is an invaluable tool for refining your ideas and achieving clarity of thought. Relying on LLMs to generate text for you bypasses this critical thinking process, ultimately hindering your own intellectual growth and ability to articulate complex concepts.
Writing is not just the documentation of pre-formed thoughts; it is the process of forming them. By wrestling with arguments on the page, you clarify your own thinking. Outsourcing this "hard part" to AI means you skip the essential step of developing a unique, well-reasoned perspective.