Improving Your Writing Through Comparison: A Comprehensive Guide
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Chapter 1: The Power of Comparison
Comparison can significantly enhance your writing, contrary to the common belief that it detracts from joy. Engaging in comparative analysis fosters growth and improvement in your writing endeavors.
This insight comes from my journey as a writer since 2010. Always striving for betterment, I enjoy exploring new productivity systems and have crafted one of my own. Recently, after a thought-provoking comment by productivity expert Ali Abdaal, I revised my schedule to include two dedicated five-hour work sessions.
I pondered a new project aimed at honing my non-fiction writing skills. The question arose: Is it possible for me to improve further? To my supportive readers, thank you for your imagined praises, but yes, it is indeed possible.
Here are my initial strategies:
✅ Explore relevant books, YouTube videos, and articles
✅ Analyze successful stories to discern effective techniques
✅ Adhere to Medium's quality standards while publishing
✅ Craft narratives based on the insights gained
Section 1.1: Learning Through Comparison
I decided to find a successful article that mirrored my own topic for a detailed comparison. Fortunately, I discovered two pieces addressing procrastination, both advocating for breaking tasks into manageable parts.
My article was published on January 20, 2024, while Scott H. Young's appeared just days earlier on January 8, 2024. Despite being published closely together, Scott's piece attracted five times the comments mine did.
Subsection 1.1.1: Key Differences in Approach
Upon comparison, several critical differences emerged:
✅ Scott boasts 50 times my follower count
✅ He published through a well-known platform, while I self-published
✅ Scott's title clearly conveys the value readers can expect
✅ He establishes his credibility effectively
✅ Scott delves deeper into the subject by discussing focus
Section 1.2: Insights Gained from Analysis
This exercise has imparted valuable lessons:
- Establishing authority is essential, yet tricky; I can’t repeatedly state, "As an author translated into multiple languages..."
- Expanding upon topics deepens the narrative. While I acknowledge procrastination as a widespread issue, Scott's comprehensive examination of focus and distractions lends his piece greater credibility.
Chapter 2: Understanding Audience Preferences
In considering audience engagement, some readers may prefer my casual, quick-read style, reflecting my personal experiences as an amateur productivity enthusiast. This approach certainly allows for faster writing.
However, others might gravitate towards Scott's more authoritative narrative.
The first video, "Top tips to write A+ comparative essays," offers essential strategies for writing comparative essays effectively. It emphasizes the significance of thorough analysis and structured writing.
The second video, "Improve Your Writing - 6 ways to compare," provides practical tips on enhancing writing skills through comparison, focusing on techniques that yield impactful results.
But let's pause and reflect on another crucial factor influencing Scott's readership.
While I've outlined several reasons for his article's popularity, it's important to note that Scott's piece was highlighted in the January round-up. This exposure likely boosted his readership significantly.
Therefore, when conducting your own comparisons, remember that there may be vital information that remains unknown to you. Approach your conclusions with caution.
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