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Hey Content Writers.

I still remember staring at that blank document, cursor blinking mockingly at me. Three hours later, I had written exactly two sentences, and then I deleted both.

We've all been there, right? Please, someone tell me I’m not alone.

That paralyzing moment when you realize writing isn't quite the romantic endeavor you imagined. It's work. Beautiful, fulfilling work, but still work.

Looking back on my decade-long writing journey, there were so many lessons I learned the hard way. Lessons that could have saved me countless hours of frustration and self-doubt if someone had just pulled me aside and shared them.

So today, I wanna be that someone for you. I'm sharing the 8 things I desperately wish I'd known when I first started writing - insights that transformed my process from painful to productive, and might just do the same for you.

Whether you're crafting blog posts, newsletters, or the next great American novel, these hard-earned lessons will help you write better content faster, with a lot more joy along the way.

For each one I’ve given a step one. How I get through these things myself. Nothing special, just works for me.

8 Things I Wish I'd Known When Starting Out Writing

One. First drafts are supposed to be garbage

That pristine final product you're reading? It started as a jumbled mess. The goal of a first draft isn't to be good - it's to exist. You can't polish what isn't there. Give yourself permission to write terribly, and watch how much easier the words flow.

Step One: Set a timer for 10 minutes and write without stopping or editing. Commit to not deleting anything until you've hit your word count goal. I’ve been known to unbind the backspace key on my lapttop for this before now…

I’m not gonna fix that typo as a point to prove. Fight me.

Two. The magic happens in editing

What looks like natural talent is usually just someone willing to revise their work multiple times. I used to think great writers nailed it on the first try. Nope. They just kept refining until it looked effortless. Writing isn't writing, it's rewriting.

Quick fix: Schedule separate sessions for writing and editing. Never try to do both simultaneously, and aim for at least three revision passes before calling something "done."

Three. Writer's block is just fancy resistance

That creative wall you hit? It's usually fear, perfectionism, or lack of direction masquerading as a creativity problem. Don't wait for inspiration to strike—develop systems to push through. Free writing, better outlines, or breaking tasks into ridiculously small steps all help.

Quick fix: When stuck, write the absolute worst version of what you're trying to say. Make it intentionally terrible. This removes the pressure and often kickstarts your creative flow

Four. Read with your writer hat on

Don't just absorb content, pull that shit apart. What makes certain passages stick with you? Which transitions feel seamless? What structures keep you engaged? The books and articles you love are essentially free masterclasses if you pay attention.

Quick fix: Pick your favorite piece of content and analyze one specific element, transitions, openings, or metaphors. Take notes on patterns you notice that you can adapt for your own writing.

Five. Feedback is gold (if it's from the right people)

Early input can save weeks of misguided effort, but choose your critics wisely. Find readers who understand what you're trying to accomplish and can articulate why something works or doesn't. Not just whether they "liked it."

Quick fix: When seeking feedback, ask specific questions about what you're trying to improve rather than general "thoughts." For example: "Does the opening grab your attention?" or "Is the main point clear?"

Six. Consistency beats motivation every time

Writing a little each day accomplishes more than random creative bursts when inspiration strikes. The professionals aren't always motivated - they just show up anyway and trust the process. Routine is your secret weapon.

Quick fix: Block 30 minutes on your calendar every day for writing. Same time, same place. Start so small it feels ridiculous - even 15 minutes counts.

I got this from a Ramit Sethi thing I read ages ago about starting to floss ONLY one tooth at a time. It sounds absurd, but hey, I floss every day now…

Seven. Clear beats clever

When I started, I was trying so hard to sound impressive that I sacrificed clarity. But readers don't want to decode your brilliance. They want to understand your message. The most powerful writing is often the simplest.

Quick fix: After drafting, read your work aloud. Mark any sentence where you stumble or need to take an extra breath.

Learnt this one from John Harrison. He calls them rocks. The rocks trip. The rocks grab. The rocks distract. I guess this is a rock…

Eight. Your voice comes through doing, not searching

You won't discover your unique style through contemplation, it emerges through consistent practice. Your voice develops as you gradually shed imitation and gain confidence in your natural expression. It's not something you find, it's something you refine.

Quick fix: Pick a writer you admire and intentionally imitate their style for a short piece. Then write the same piece in a completely different voice. This exercise helps you understand your natural tendencies and preferences.

Why eight? It’s one more than seven, and everyone else does seven…

✌️ Tim "first draft survivor" Hanson
CMO @Penfriend.ai

P.S. Can I tell you a secret? I’ve been writing for a long time. And I still don’t see myself as a writer. I am a writer. But I find it so hard to embody that role, persona, romantised version of a writer.

Maybe I need to buy a typewriter, live in an attic and live on coffee for a month?