Random Tips to Write With More Confidence and Authority
The second post I wrote for this blog dealt with qualities writers need to survive and thrive. The first trait I mentioned was confidence, which is a trait that I fluctuate on frequently; sometimes I feel that words are flowing from me as though guided by a muse, and other times I am convinced that I’m the most hackneyed and least talented person who has ever sat behind a keyboard and pretended to have something to say.
When I lost my job and my book deal along with it, it was a huge blow to my confidence, and it greatly exacerbated my case of imposter syndrome. Part of the reason I began this blog in the first place was to share what I do know about writing, however little it may be, and give other writers and editors the tools they need to stop feeling like a fraud.
While writing about confidence, there were some tips that found their way to the cutting room floor, but I still think they are useful, though they didn’t fit well in the broad context of that original post. So I wanted to share those thoughts here, in hopes of helping us all combat imposter syndrome a little better.
Phrases used to “hedge-your-bets” may seem to provide some protection from being called out for being wrong, but they ultimately weaken your writing by stripping you of your authority or confidence. So, here is my random assortment of tips to write better and with more authority in order to build your confidence.
Don’t end a list of items with “... and more.” List only the examples necessary to give your reader a sense of the breadth or depth you wish to convey. Then stop.
Don’t start ideas with “Studies have shown…” Cite a specific study from a reputable source.
Avoid speculative language when writing about established facts. Facts don’t require a vote of popularity to be true.
Avoid speculative language when writing about your firmly held beliefs. Any readers who completely dismiss you because you believe something they disagree with probably wouldn’t have engaged any more meaningfully with your work if you tried to disguise your beliefs as inoffensive opinions.
Don’t try to pass off your opinions as facts.
Limit the use of up to… and more than… when writing with numbers or statistics. Give a fair and accurate figure or range of figures even when using estimates. “Removes up to 100% of stains” means it may not remove any stains at all. “More than 50% of respondents” means it might have been only 50.1%.
Err on the side of specificity. Don’t say ship when you mean galleon; don’t say pet when you mean dog.
Write about things you are passionate about. Don’t chase a trend hoping it will gain you an audience.
Learn how to research well. Memorize or bookmark search engine tips, and use them to exclude, narrow, or otherwise refine the results you are looking for. This ties back into the first item on my list, but you won’t be able to write intelligently and confidently about very many things until you can easily find the information you need to learn about anything you don’t know.
Cite experts when you can.
Don’t be afraid of retractions and corrections.
Work with an editor when possible.
Work with a beta-reader when possible.
Obviously, this isn’t an exhaustive list of every way you can build confidence and authority in your writing. I have no idea what an exhaustive list of that kind would even look like, and I highly doubt it would be possible to produce. These are just a few ideas I had that I felt were worth sharing.
What do you think? Are these good tips? Bad tips? Did any catch you off guard? Were all of them super obvious to you? I definitely appreciate interaction and feedback, so leave your comments below, and share this list with any writers you know.
