--wx-: Ink

Ink (verb): to draw or write in ink. -Merriam-Webster Dictionary

One of our greatest inventions as a species is the written word. It allows knowledge to transcend time, to survive generations, and to make thoughts tangible. Writing can be used to express love or to break a heart. Words have been used to topple empires and soothe fraught nations. We idolize poets, authors, speechwriters and religious figures for creating cornerstones of culture secured in pen forever. And rightfully so.

Most of us acknowledge the fact that writing reports is a necessary evil in many of our roles, but we shouldn’t aim just to get by with legibility. The ability to write well can open the door to many opportunities. From scholarships to résumés to condolences, you must be able to express yourself in a way that connects you to other human beings and translates your points effectively.

Like any other skill, writing takes practice to hone and develop. We have been writing our entire life, but without intention, our words and impact can slowly weaken.

Here are three recommendations for improving your writing by observation and action:

On Writing - Stephen King

I have to be honest; this is the first Stephen King book I have ever read. I am not a horror fan, even trailers for new horror films keep me up at night. And yet even as a self avowed scaredy-cat, I can recognize and appreciate King’s talent as one of the greatest writers of our generation. On Writing is a no-nonsense novel that challenged every lesson I thought I learned in my English classes past. I never take grammar or spelling very seriously, after all that is part of why computers were invented, but this book brings the reality of writing with a slap in my face. King challenges the elitism often tied to writing, supposing we should stick to the styles and language we know, rather than pose as something we are not. The lessons written in 1997 by King still hold true today and this book is an excellent starting point for building your writing skills and not taking yourself too seriously.

The Artist’s Way + Morning Pages Journal - Julia Cameron

The best way to develop any skill is to practice, practice, practice. While writing is natural and something we do every day, it may be easy to forget that practice is still necessary. Julia Cameron self-published The Artist’s Way as a “spiritual” practice to develop and reignite your creative skills. Cameron explains the spirituality portion is more about connecting to some sort of universal power, however you define that, rather than following some specific religious doctrine. Cameron uses The Artist’s Way and the suggested exercises as a pressure relief valve for your creative skills, be it writing, painting, or any other medium. This book and accompanying exercises do require a decent time commitment, but I found once you push through the initial weeks, it becomes habit and a necessary part of my routine. Ultimately Cameron asserts that unlocking creativity isn’t some great mystery or thing you need to pay desert shamans thousands of dollars to help with, but simply dedication, intention, and a little bit of work. Cameron sets no crazy requirements or limits to your practice, so the barrier to entry is super low for a high return.

The Year Ahead - YearCompass

YearCompass, formerly known as The Year Ahead is an incredible annual exercise and movement that I have adopted as my new year tradition. Full disclosure: My friend and mentor @hevnsnt is the one who called this to my attention, and I couldn’t be more grateful he did. This exercise usually takes me a few hours each year, and though it is not long form prose, it definitely encourages me to dive into details and thoughtful writing instead of one word answers and acronyms. YearCompass is a fantastic opportunity to reflect, plan, and grow between years. As someone who tries to pinpoint continous areas of growth, this booklet offers a chance to assign themes and make sure I am working toward what is important to me. I also like to look back at the prior year booklet and measure how far I have come and see what all has changed. Sometimes it is my handwriting, sometimes the vocabulary I use, sometimes the things I want to discover. Overall this serves as an excellent bookend for the start and finish of a year and helps start the pattern of regular writing.

Wishing you all safety, health, and happiness as we navigate these difficult times. I am always up to discuss any recommendations or your experiences with the recommendations. Have something you think I should read? Email at lauren@laurenproehl.com or reach out on Twitter - @jotunvillur!