Writing is one of those things that we think we’re either really good at or just not great at doing. Sometimes we think writing is too difficult, and default to creating visual content because it seems easier. Posting a photo online is much easier than writing a blog post, right? Well, did you know that there are ways to build your skills so you can stand out as a writer, especially if you’re not a visual person? Read on to learn more!
Making the Switch: Visual to Written Content
Taking a picture of your dinner at a fancy restaurant, editing the lighting a bit, and slapping that photo up on Instagram with a simple “hashtag, blessed” is relatively simple. It will probably get some likes. But if you’re not familiar with the law of threes or composition and framing, your photo might flop.
Photographers and digital artists spend tons of money and invest in their education to learn all of the tips and tricks that make a great photo. If that’s not you, and you don’t have a natural eye for it, maybe it’s time to switch things up!
Blogging and writing about your experiences is a great way to make the experience feel more meaningful and personal, and there are ways to make it work if you don’t consider yourself a writer.
How to Stand Out as a Writer
So if you want to stand out as a writer, the first thing you need to do is start with the simplest habit: write every day, no matter what. This doesn’t mean cranking out essays daily. You can do some casual journaling or jot down notes on your phone. Maybe you create a bedtime writing habit as part of your nighttime routine, where you just journal some short reflections before bed.
Try shaping those snippets of life into vignettes, or small, vivid scenes that capture emotion and detail without needing a full story arc. Think short little movies; write experiences in your life as though they’re part of a movie scene. Beyond practice, focus on clarity, avoid fluff, and use strong verbs to keep your reader engaged. And don’t forget, the best type of writing feels real, so let your personality and perspective shine through.
Best Tip for Writing from Your Life’s View
Your life is your richest material, and no one else has your exact perspective. Writing from your own view isn’t about spilling every secret. It’s about filtering experiences through your own personal lens. Notice the small things in your life, either now or in the past, like how your grandmother peeled apples for your favorite apple pie. Explain the feeling of standing in the rain while waiting for a bus or how you felt after what you thought was a great date, waiting for a phone call that never came.
These details make your writing authentic and relatable. Don’t worry if your story feels ordinary. Everyone goes through similar things in life; that’s normal, but how we experience or relate to these things is different. The honesty in how you tell your perspective is what will set you apart from other people’s stories, no matter how similar. That’s what will hook a reader and make you stand out as a writer. When you write from lived experience, you’re not only expressing yourself, but also relaying the history of you.
Creating a Consistent Writing Habit
Consistency is where writing magic happens. Set aside even ten minutes a day, whether it’s journaling, drafting vignettes, or scribbling random thoughts. The key is showing up. We’re not looking for perfection here. Start small and stay consistent, and you’ll see your writing voice improve over time. If you’re ready to get started right now, consider how this post made you feel, and drop a few words in the comments.