Quick announcement:
✍️ I'm working on a new product called the StoryWriter's HQ ✍️
It'll be free to you exclusively on this newsletter.
It's a creative hub with a bunch of free resources on how to come up with unique ideas, write great stories, and gain inspiration.
Video tutorials, prompts, swipe files, and more!
(I'm even including some AI writing tools/prompts 👀)
You'll be able to access it by referring this newsletter to other creators.
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Happy Sunday Reader!
I've been thinking a lot recently about returning to more deep and contemplative writing, beyond just the chase for money and freelancing.
So here it is.
I'm giving you three short thought pieces/meditations on three different topics. Each starts with a quote. Hope you enjoy it.
(As well as the coolest things I consumed/dug up last week)
Today at a glance:
- 3 short paragraphs about creativity
- Quick-fire storytelling lessons from a book I'm reading
- A quote about the importance of sharing your work
- A copywriting tip from Apple's legendary iPod ad.
Reading time 4 minutes.
On Creativity
“Every block of stone has a statue inside it and it is the task of the sculptor to discover it.” — Michelangelo
I truly believe that every human being has an insatiable itch to be creative. Creativity runs in our evolution.
Creative work puts your soul at peace, it helps you find fulfilment.
The thought of investing my time and career into something mundane like putting data into a spreadsheet, sitting in some office block in central London, makes my skin crawl with fright.
I love what I do. I love to write. I love the feeling of turning a raw idea I had when I was on a walk, into a polished piece of writing that I'm proud of.
I do it beyond the money. It doesn't matter if I was freelancing or not, the only thing that keeps me going in this world, is my chance to be creative every time I hit the keyboard or my journal.
The world is a beautiful place when you start to view it as your creative canvas.
On Serendipity
“Make stuff you love and talk about stuff you love and you'll attract people who love that kind of stuff. It's that simple.”― Austin Kleon, Show Your Work!
I always tell people that writing online is magic because each time you share something, you're opening the doors to a potential opportunity/connection, and I think that's beautiful.
The world has never been so connected. You can hit publish on an idea that keeps you up at night, and just like that, the whole world is at your fingertips.
Naturally, you'll attract like-minded people, you'll find a platform that values you and your thoughts. The feeling of knowing that people are impacted by what you write is unmatched.
Your platform is an open stage of endless possibilities that can change your whole trajectory. I often ask myself; "why don't more people write online?"
On Being a Life-Long Learner
“It takes the whole of life to learn how to live, and - what will perhaps make you wonder more - it takes the whole of life to learn how to die.” - Seneca
The moment we muster up our ego to say "I'm a pro, I don't need to learn anymore", is the day that you miss out on the point of life.
There is endless knowledge and fine-tuning to do to reach mastery. Perfection doesn't exist. I personally love taking up new skills and sharing my journey online as to how I'm going about it.
Take my LinkedIn page for example. A year ago, I had no idea what copywriting was. Today, I post 5x a week about it, make a living from it, and simply share what I learn.
Learning is beautiful, never stop challenging yourself.
A book recommendation:
I started reading this a while back but didn't finish it, I'm now revisiting it.
TL;DR want to get better at storytelling? This is your playbook.
I'll give you a quick rundown of the skeleton of a good story (from the book):
- The main point of a story is to build up to a 5-second point of transformation, realisation, or revelation.
- A good story knows where to begin - i.e. a place that is the opposite of your 5-second moment.
- You have to be careful with choosing the opening scene of your story. Your story has to open with a STORY. You have to grab your reader's attention with a forward-moving moment.
This is where I'm up to in the book.
Now I have to read the part about the middle of the story, and how to bring it all together!
A legendary copywriting tip
Take a look at this ad for the launch of the iPod in 2001.
Apple could have said "Check out our new device with xGB of storage..."
Instead, they gave you the benefits.
Holy grail rule in copywriting: Benefits over features.
The way they used the word pocket is genius also. You can visualize this perfectly.
Good copy also helps create pictures in your mind.
A quote to ponder on:
Infamous poet, playwright, and writer from 1890's London, Oscar Wilde, on the impact you have on history:
“The world is changed because you are made of ivory and gold. The curves of your lips rewrite history.” - Oscar Wilde.
This goes back to serendipity. Everything you publish out there will have an effect on some part of the world. It's beautiful.
⏮️ In Case You Missed It (ICYMI)
Here are the last three editions of my newsletter:
✍️How to actually think creatively in biz
✍️ Do you have what it takes to make $10,000?
✍️ I nearly screwed up my whole creator business...
I'll also be adding links in this section to articles I publish during the week, check back here next week!
PS. If my newsletter brings any value to you, please consider sharing a quick testimonial. Even if you write 2 lines, this is the best way to support the work I put into this every week.
If you enjoyed this, I'd appreciate if you would forward it to a fellow creator, or shout it out! Thanks.
Alen
Alen Bašić
The Introverted Thinker.
Say "Hi" to me on LinkedIn👋 OR book a call with me here ☎️
