I have perused the Economist for the past 2 years, having pored through at least half of each issue of the hefty weekly mag. I have also taken multiple writing courses and have committed to scribbling, albeit terribly, for months now.
What a waste of time it was for me, learning to write. Whoever said I could write well was incorrect. It’s painful to see myself vomit on the page again and again.
One day, all of a sudden I noticed I was speaking very well. The words came easily, the lines were eloquent. The transitions were epic. I sounded clever.
As I realized, writing works on multiple levels. The act of marking down words supports the spoken word as well; helping it shine. Now when I know this secret, I’ll use it deliberately-- to achieve two objectives while working on a single one.
But when will I start writing well?
It has been 6 more months. I have started editing (in my head) everything I can get my hands on, including ads, people’s statements, and football commentary. I have started noticing gaps in the articles printed in The Economist and in the football commentary peddled by Jim Proudfoot, which is especially rewarding. My writing and editing has also improved; becoming manageable and less daunting.
So this is how people get better- by persisting with the activities they really want to excel at.
Eventually they find a way..................
.................. or the way finds them.
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