TIL: Undull your writing

by Jonathan Silva

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Write a Shitty first draft

Get words on screen.

Words words words. Okay so once upon a time I was trying to write a presentation example but I didn't know what to write so I decided to just free style it

Now what?

Stab adverbs in the heart

Really, Actually, Very, In my opinion

I really do think they cut too much out of the movie. there were very specific scenes, and actually, entire characters that are in the novelization but are never mentioned in the movie, that help with fleshing out the other characters.

I really do think they cut too much out of the movie. there were very specific scenes, and actually , entire characters that are in the novelization but are never mentioned in the movie, that help with fleshing out the other characters.

  • Weak words: really, very, actually
  • Advice: Stab and rewrite

The movie cut too many scenes and characters that explain the story.

Purge overused adjectives

Awesome, amazing, ultimate, wonderful, stunning

This week's TIL had an awesome speaker with amazing slides and a wonderful voice.

This week's TIL had an awesome speaker with amazing slides and a wonderful voice.

  • Weak words: awesome, amazing, wonderful
  • Advice: Purge and be more specific

This week's TIL had a veteran speaker with slick slides and an easy-going voice.

Avoid bland adjectives

Good, nice, bad, successful, effective

We had a good time at yesterday's workshop. It was an effective event and it was nice meeting new people.

We had a good time at yesterday's workshop. It was an effective event and it was nice meeting new people.

  • Weak words: good, effective, nice
  • Advice: Unbland. Choose a side!

We had a roaring time at yesterday's workshop. It was an immersive event and it was refreshing meeting new people.

Minimize pronouns

Them, it, there, he, she, etc

She was writing her blog post on Sunday.

She was writing her blog post on Sunday.

  • Weak words: she, her
  • Advice: chop off and rewrite

Henrietta illustrated her writing recipe on Saturday. She wrote her blog post on Sunday.

This time you know who "she" is: Henrietta.

Keep it short

When I started my own business, it has given me a whole new perspective to see the bigger picture when it comes to finding a work-life balance.

Meaningful words in bold:

When I started my own business, it has given me a whole new perspective to see the bigger picture when it comes to finding a work-life balance.

Clear and concise version:

Starting my own business has given me a new perspective on work-life balance.

TIL Summary

  • 📝 Write a Shitty first draft
  • 🔪 Stab adverbs in the heart
  • 🇺🇸 Purge overused adjectives
  • 🥘 Avoid bland adjectives
  • ⬇️ Minimize pronouns
  • ✂️ Keep it short