What if your Writing sucks?

So, what if your writing sucks? Should you not blog?

Well, whattayamean by "sucks" Ted? Let's confine ourselves to not being able to use the English (or pick your favorite) language correctly. I've talked about boring (and bald) blogging before, and don't buy into the "boring people" shouldn't blog nonsense.

I'm not talking about not being Hemingway, Steinbeck, or Shakespeare, or James Joyce (who incidentally "sucks"). I don't write particularly well -- never did. Doesn't matter.

But what if your command of the written and perhaps spoken language is truly atrocious? You don't know "it's" from "its", or "there" from "they're" from "they are", or plural from singular, passive from active, etc? And maybe no one can understand your writing either -- always a bad sign (James Joyce should have read this!).

Here are 5 tips:

1) Read a lot. Reading helps improve your writing immensely. Don't like to read? Then WTF are you doing trying to write stuff for others to read?

I read lots of biz books, but rarely fiction. That said, God Doesn't Shoot Craps had me spellbound and I read it cover-to-cover recently (until 4AM!).

2) Practice. Write. Write often. Practice doesn't make perfect, but it helps.

Unfortunately reading and writing alone won't do it if you truly suck.

3) Get someone to read and *critically* comment on your writing. Probably not your friend Bubba, but I have used my unemployed-factoryworker redneck friend Hairy Beast as a coach (he's for hire, very reasonable, and a GREAT writer, although he occasionally bites if appropriate). You could try elance as well. Or perhaps a spouse or significant other, although that can be stressful.

4) Take a class! A night class at the community college or perhaps even online should be relatively low stress and very useful. Hey, I could use a class and may consider it in the future, although my travel would make it tough.

5) Consider podcasting or videoblogging. Hey, writing isn't for anyone. NOTHING is for everyone!

Comments

[The Hairy Beast]

Ted,

The Beast grew up three streets away from you, does that make you a redneck too?

[Ted Demopoulos, Blogging for Business]

I neither work outside enough nor have a slightly ruddy complexion. Sun makes me dark, not red, including my neck, so no, I'm not a redneck.

I am however an uncultured New Hampshire hillbilly.

I think the "unemployed-factoryworker redneck writing coach" is a brand that may work well for you, should you embrace it :) Besides, I'm jealous that you write better than I do!

[Kian Ann]

Ted,

I think writing for blogs can tolerate a little spelling / grammatical mistake here and there... the issue comes only when the bad language (erm.. not bad language in that senses!) affects the message that should be conveyed.

But still, taking steps to improve would be great!

[Ted Demopoulos, Blogging for Business]

Hi Kian Ann,

I agree -- the primary point is communication. If you are getting your message across, that's most of the battle!

[jimdwalton]

Ted you write well and think even better

[Ted Demopoulos, Blogging for Business]

Thanks Jim!
I'm imagining a post entitled "What if your Thinking sucks," but April fools day is long past :)