Write of Passage Weekly - Here's What You Missed

The Write of Passage Bootcamp is now open for enrollment - but not for much longer. You have until Friday, April 5, to join, and the Bootcamp officially kicks off on Monday, April 8. We only do this twice a year: once in the Spring, once in the Fall. If you're ready to level-up your writing, now is the time. 

Hey writers,

Last week, David hosted a live Q&A about all things writing and Write of Passage. It was jam-packed with great conversation, so here are ten of the best questions we covered. 

As you read, ask yourself: What could Write of Passage do for you? 

Quick note: Many of you had questions about Core Ideas. As a refresh, your Core Idea is the most unique thing you have to say that also adds value to other people. In Write of Passage, we help you discover your Core Idea and share it with people who care. 

1. What types of people get the most value out of Write of Passage? 

The people who get the most value are those who:

• Feel stuck in their career
• Are interested in ideas
• And don't have ambitious thinkers in their lives to inspire them.

Writing online levels up your social group, and it allows those who feel stuck in their career to put their ideas out there and be rewarded for their knowledge and expertise.

2. What do students underestimate about Write of Passage?

How awesome the live sessions are! Also, how well the program is run, as well as the level of engagement from our students. The live sessions are always on fire with energy — everyone is motivated and ready to work together.

3. How (and why) should I go deep into my idiosyncratic ideas, rather than writing generic stuff that may get more engagement on platforms like Twitter, Medium, and Substack?

If you're trying to get broad engagement, you should go broad. But the real benefits of writing come from going deep into your unique ideas. The Internet allows you to find other people who share your niche interests and resonate with your distinct ideas.

4. What’s the day-to-day course load like? If you have a family, kids, and a full-time job, is there a way to coordinate that?

We recommend about eight hours per week to reap all of the benefits, with Wednesdays being required for the live session. But it’s designed to fit your lifestyle however you see fit. It’s up to you how much of the coaching, editing, and workshop components you want to participate in.

5. Let's say you have a handful of Core Ideas and want to explore that in this course. How far along do you expect people to be with their Core Idea before joining? 

Not far along at all. As long as you have a few deep-rooted interests, you’re set. You just need the seed of an idea, and we’ll help you cultivate it. 

6. I've been writing online for two years, but I feel like I need more experience to share good ideas. How do you think about the balance between writing and gaining more experience in life? 

If you've found your way to Write of Passage, you likely have enough life experience to share really good ideas. Our shtick is that we help you leverage the knowledge that you already have.

7. How can you justify the price of Write of Passage? 

You can theoretically do all of this on your own, for free, but it would likely take you 10 years. That’s how long it took me. Or, you can do it in five weeks. The $4,000 price gives you decades of expertise instantly, just like that, rather than taking a decade to figure it out alone.

8. What would you say to someone who isn’t sure what their Core Idea is yet?

Come on down! You’re not alone, and we can help. We use what we call the "Archeologist vs. Architect" framework. Some students are Architects, meaning they have the exact blueprint for what they want to write about. But, many students are Archeologists, meaning they have to dig and explore to discover what they want to write about. We help Architects stay on track with their ideas; and we help Archaeologists excavate their ideas through writing prompts, coaching, and feedback. 

9. What's more important when writing: what you’re saying, or how you’re saying it? 

Neither the content nor the style is more important — they work together. Style makes writing resonate, but substance is critical. Your goal should be to fuse your unique observations with a compelling style. That’s when you’ve hit the jackpot. 

10. Will writing online become less relevant with AI?

No — but it will change. Quality will be more important than ever, literally. The best thing you can do as a writer is learn how to infuse your writing with life. This is what we teach at Write of Passage. It’s called POP Writing: personal, observational, and playful. If you can consistently write with POP, then AI won’t be able to match you.

And that's a wrap. Have another question? Just reply to this email. We're here for you.

Hope to see you in the Bootcamp,

The Write of Passage Team