The Secrets to Writing That You Need to Know and They’re Not Grammar, Plotting, Etc.

Writing is more than plotting, outlining, and getting your grammar correct. Research tells us there are ways you can bring more brainpower to bear if you know it exists and how to utilize it.

Photo by Thought Catalog

Writing tips are out there in excessive amounts. Yes, writers want to share what they’ve learned, possibly in a painful manner, and what they want you to avoid. It’s a wonderful sense of community, and I applaud every one of them who isn’t also trying to sell you something. There is altruism, and I encourage everyone to keep it alive.

I’ve worked in magazine and newspaper feature publishing for a decade or so, and I’ve had two books published by brick-and-mortar houses. More of my book writing efforts have been in self-publishing, so I’ve been around the block on both of those.

I don’t need to buy a book-publishing bundle, another piece of writing software (I like Scrivener), or to hear another author try to sell me another version of “the hero’s journey.” I do like Reedsy, and I recommend their videos if you want some tips. No, I get no commission for telling you about them.

But now, after decades of working as a psychologist (I switched careers), it was this aspect of my work and writing that brought me to research. No, I wasn’t…