The core message of "Just Write" is to overcome the paralysis of perfectionism and the fear of judgment by simply starting to write. Don't get bogged down in elaborate outlines or editing; instead, prioritize consistent writing practice to develop your skills and discover your voice. The more you write, the easier it becomes, and the better your writing will be. Embrace imperfection, focus on quantity over quality initially, and view writing as a process of iterative refinement. Over time, this consistent effort will lead to significant improvement and unlock your creative potential.
The author of "Just Write" posits that the most significant impediment to creative output, particularly writing, is not a lack of innate talent or profound inspiration, but rather the pervasive and paralyzing fear of producing something inadequate. This fear manifests as procrastination, perfectionism, and an endless cycle of planning and preparation that ultimately prevents the actual act of creation. The core message of the piece is a simple yet powerful exhortation: to overcome this inertia, one must simply begin writing.
The author elaborates on this concept, explaining that the initial output may indeed be of substandard quality – clumsy, unrefined, and perhaps even embarrassing. However, this initial, imperfect creation is not the finished product; it serves as the raw material, the foundational clay upon which refinement and improvement can be built. The act of writing itself generates momentum, unlocking a flow of ideas and facilitating the gradual emergence of a more polished and coherent piece. This iterative process, characterized by continuous writing, revision, and refinement, is presented as the true path to producing worthwhile creative work.
Furthermore, the author emphasizes the liberating nature of detaching oneself from the expectation of immediate perfection. By embracing the imperfection inherent in the early stages of creation, one alleviates the pressure that stifles creativity and allows for a more authentic and exploratory approach. The author suggests that this freedom to experiment and iterate without the burden of self-criticism is crucial for fostering genuine originality and developing one's unique voice. The focus shifts from achieving a flawless final product on the first attempt to engaging in the process of continuous improvement through consistent effort. The act of writing, in and of itself, becomes the catalyst for progress and the pathway to achieving a desired level of quality. This ongoing engagement with the craft is portrayed not as a tedious chore, but as an essential and inherently rewarding aspect of the creative journey.
Summary of Comments ( 26 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43137694
Hacker News users generally agreed with the core message of "Just Write," emphasizing the importance of consistent writing for skill development and idea generation. Several commenters shared their personal experiences with writing streaks and the positive impact it had on their clarity of thought and ability to articulate ideas. Some cautioned against focusing solely on quantity over quality, suggesting a balance is needed. The idea of lowering the bar for publishing, embracing imperfection, and iterating based on feedback was also discussed. One commenter pointed out the parallels between writing and coding, highlighting the iterative nature of both. Another popular sentiment was the importance of finding a niche and writing about topics that genuinely interest the author.
The Hacker News post "Just Write" (linking to https://blog.chasingbrains.co/p/just-write-stuff) generated a moderate amount of discussion with several compelling comments.
Many commenters echoed the sentiment of the original post, emphasizing the importance of consistent writing, even if it's not perfect. One commenter pointed out that writing regularly helps to clarify thoughts and solidify understanding, comparing it to the Feynman technique of explaining a concept as if teaching it to someone else. This commenter also highlighted that the act of writing itself can uncover gaps in one's knowledge, prompting further investigation and deeper learning.
Another commenter focused on the benefits of writing for an audience, suggesting that even a small, niche audience can provide valuable feedback and motivation. They argued that the fear of public judgment can be a powerful motivator for improving writing quality and developing a unique voice.
Several commenters discussed the practicalities of writing consistently. Some suggested setting realistic goals, such as writing a certain number of words per day or week, while others advocated for incorporating writing into a daily routine. One commenter recommended treating writing like any other skill that requires practice and dedication, emphasizing the importance of showing up consistently even when motivation is low.
A few commenters shared their personal experiences with writing, offering specific tools and techniques they found helpful. One commenter mentioned using a simple text editor to avoid distractions, while another recommended setting aside dedicated time for writing in a quiet environment.
Some commenters offered alternative perspectives, cautioning against prioritizing quantity over quality. They argued that while consistent writing is important, it shouldn't come at the expense of clear and concise communication. One commenter suggested focusing on writing for a specific purpose, whether it's to inform, persuade, or entertain, to ensure the writing remains focused and effective.
Finally, a few commenters discussed the psychological benefits of writing, suggesting that it can be a therapeutic activity that helps to process emotions and gain clarity on personal experiences. One commenter described writing as a form of self-discovery, allowing for reflection and exploration of one's inner thoughts and feelings.