Craft Your Content - [TWR] Elisa, why did you do that?

Before we get into it, CYC stands by Ukraine, as so many across the world have done. You can learn more about how you can help and where to donate on this regularly updated resource card, promoted by respected Ukrainian-Canadian journalist Jane Lytvynenko or in this regularly updated article from Global Citizen.

Welcome to The Writing Rundown, a weekly newsletter that offers writing advice, short essays, and reading suggestions to help you improve your craft. It’s nice to see you here! If someone forwarded you this email because they love your writing, you can subscribe here.

Estimated Reading Time: 5 minutes

“You have to learn to look at the whole of something, not just the parts.” ― Marie Lu, Warcross

Elisa’s Thought for the Week

One question I’ll get occasionally from TWR subscribers is: “Elisa, why do you send such random links when I signed up to learn about writing?”

There is a method to the seeming madness, I swear!

See, lots of writing sites and coaches will teach you how to write grammatically perfect prose or slam out sticky copy and they are exceptional at it — but that’s not what we do here at Craft Your Content.

Shockingly, for a brand with this name, we’re pretty invested in the actual craft of great writing.

The information you need to know and do to improve your craft beyond just grammar and writing processes and templates (though we have plenty of that as well!)

If you’re here, I’m guessing you are a writer who cares about what your message is and the meaning behind it as much as how viral it can go. You love the tangle of words that only rounds of revisions can unfurl. You spend time on your thinking and research, as much time as you spend on the actual writing of a piece.

That’s the kind of content that I’m on a constant mission to seek out so you don’t have to.

There will are pieces that:

• Get super geeky about language and books, because we’re a bunch of word nerds
• Dig deep on the mental models and thinking processes that take an idea from good to great
• Explain the mindset needed to not only create, but to create when you don’t necessarily have to or want to
• Will help you with the promotion and marketing of your writing (it’s not craft, but it is important to let people know how crafty your writing is!)
• Offers guidance for grammar and writing syntax and those niggly little bits that we all roll our eyes at, but really do make articles better
• Share advice from successful (and sometimes still learning) writers who have been where you are and can help you get to where they are
• Other cool word, writing, reading, creative, mindset, thinking, and similarly related articles that strike my fancy and might just tickle a few of you as well

The next time you are looking at these links, wondering “why on earth would I click through on something like that, it isn’t going to do anything to help my writing”, remember that anything that gives you new perspectives and thoughts and ideas to ponder will absolutely help you to improve and grow.

You have to be precious with your time and consumption, but don’t be stingy with it.

What You Missed on Craft Your Content …

Our articles have the same mission we do — to help you to make your own words even better!

• Did you know what you drink can affect your productivity at work? In this article by writer Simoun Victor Redoblado, you will find out why you need to watch what you sip if you want to be more productive as a writer.
• (From the archives — April 2019) As a writer working from home, it can be a bit difficult to eat healthy and maintain a balanced diet. However, there is a huge link between diet and productivity, and in this article by writer Mari Colham, you will find out some healthy food options that are also great writing fuel.

In Other Reading This Week …

Need more insights and inspiration for your writing and mindset?

• Most creatives, including writers, tend to overthink their writing instead of just letting the words flow. I’m pretty sure you have experienced this before. In this YouTube video, artist Fiji Blue explains why your first idea may actually be the best after all.
• Do you often find yourself using the word ‘lol’ in your day-to-day interactions? Shayla Love explains why we use ‘lol’ so much and the origin of this commonly used acronym.
• Different genres of books appeal to different groups of people, and it is always important to extend grace to writers by not being too quick to judge. Leah Rachel von Essen explains why it is important to consider perspective before you criticize a book.
• Working with a strong supportive team — big or small — encourages personal growth and boosts productivity. Amanda Pellegrino compares her experience writing for TV to writing a novel, and how collaboration has always played a major role in her writing career.
• As writers, we sometimes forget to take breaks and allow our brains to rest. But did you know that relaxing your cognitive filters can improve your creativity? In this Big Think article, you will find out different ways you can implement this.

Weekly Writing Tip …

A quick chance to learn from the masters.

“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go.” ― Dr. Seuss, I Can Read With My Eyes Shut!

For the Upcoming Week …

Because we all need a good chuckle to start things off right!

It’s important to share our platforms with up-and-coming voices.

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Till next time!

What’s Coming Next Week? I’m talking about how I find the different articles and essays we share in The Writing Rundown (with an actionable plan you can replicate for your own interests and style!)