Everybody is a writer. Writing is a basic life skill and everyone should be able to put sentences together. To be a writer, all you have to do is write.

To be a good writer, you need to consider the needs of your audience. Is your writing adding value to their lives? If not, then it may be time to change things.

Ann Handley is someone who adds value. She’s been living a portfolio life for the past dozen or so years, making a living as an author and a speaker, and as the Chief Content Officer at MarketingProfs. Her latest book Everybody Writes is filled with great tidbits and tricks for writers. I love the short chapters that are part inspiration and part guidebook.

Listen to this week’s episode of The Portfolio Life as Ann and I talk about what makes marketing good, how deadlines are beneficial, and struggles all writers face.

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Highlights from the show

• Write first for yourself then switch places with your reader and go through the piece to see what kind of experience you’re creating for them.
• It’s never a good idea to trick people into paying attention to you. It’s better to be useful to your audience and generous with your help.
• Good marketing is about helping worthy ideas spread.
• “You can’t rush art” is folly; you have to rush art otherwise art sits on the couch watching Netflix.

Resources mentioned in the show

• Everybody Writes by Ann Handley (affiliate link)
• Ann Handley's blog
• Strunk and White's Elements of Style (affiliate link)
• MarketingProfs

If this podcast was helpful to you, please share it with others who could benefit from it and leave a review on iTunes.

Special announcement: I'm giving away a limited number of copies of my upcoming book, The Art of Work (you just pay shipping). In addition to the book, you'll also get some exclusive bonuses. I'd love for you to get a copy and tell your friends about it, too. Get your copy today!

What is one of your biggest struggles as a writer? Share in the comments.