Layers of learning writing
1. Getting rid of ego in writing
This is the most common mistake I made when I started writing but also when others start writing.
2. Dealing with rejection. Becoming "anti fragile".
3. Reading a lot to learn different styles
4. The art of storytelling
Basically the "hero's journey".
5. Discipline
You can't just write when you have inspiration. It's an every day process.
6. Craft.
Short sentences. Short paragraphs. Short chapters. No "placebo" words (meaning: if you take those words or even entire passages or chapters out then nothing actually changes in the story).
7. Cliffhangers
Every chapter, every first sentence, often at the end of paragraphs.
8. Playing with tense and perspective
Mixing it up to keep things interesting, sometimes in a single story or post (this applies to non-fiction as much as fiction): first person, third person, second person, past tense, present tense, etc.
9. Editing
Learn to cut and slash as much as possible
10. Every word must move story forward
Again, this applies as much to a blog post as a novel or non-fiction book.
Just another micro-skill I attempt to work on.