334 years ago on this day,the first newspaper published in the United States (then a British colony) was released. This was a 4-page publication called Publick Occurrences. It was banned within a few days, and the colonies did not see another newspaper published for 50 years.
Issue #171: Write advice, go skydiving while pregnant, and just don’t do what you don’t want to do
by Scott Lamb
Writing is difficult, painful, and sometimes rewarding, but it is always challenging, and we all need help to pull those ideas from our heads into the world.
The best advice is often short, memorable, practical, and we previously showcased great examples of this kind of writing guidance in our newsletter. From Issue #155, just use deadlines to get things done. From Issue #169, do a lot to make something better.
There are other practical pieces of advice, like the concept of “Parking Downhill” by writer Merlin Mann. A few years ago, my colleague Harris Sockelwrote about his favorite writing advice, a few short sentences about writing. Or, Ximena Vengoechea’s simple dictum, “Get away from the computer” for when you’re stuck.
To explore more, check out one of the great lists of writing advice and inspiration. And there are thousands of insightful stories to explore on the written advice topic page for those struggling to write.
Do you have a favorite piece of writing advice? Something that brings you back to the page or helps you move forward when you’re stuck? Reply to this email (or jump to the responses) and let us know. We’ll collect them to share in a future issue.
🔥Great, recent mid-level advice in one sentence or less.
- A full-time licensed skydiving instructor on why she kept jumping out of planes for three years: You don’t earn 3,500 skydives without learning to listen to your body.
- Former SNL writer Jack Handey makes his Medium debut with “Young Love”.
- BMI has issues as a useful health measure when used alone. The new metric, Body Roundness Index (BRI), may be more accurate in predicting health outcomes.
comprial daily dose of real wisdom
Be like your cat. If you don’t want to do something, just… don’t.
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Edited and produced by Harris Sockel & Carly Rose Gillis
Questions, feedback, or story suggestions? Email: tips@medium.com
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