There are two things that helped me when getting better at writing.
1. Reading other good writing.
2. Practicing writing.
The first one is pretty self explanatory. Just read good writing and analyze the patterns they use to express themselves.
The second involves practicing the art of writing. When I write, even on a site like HN, I take my time.
The first draft is a throwaway. I just dump what's in my head on the screen or paper.
Then I "refactor" it. I add organization to the thoughts and concepts and then I ruthlessly cut anything not crucial to what I want to express.
I have a last step I use when It's a blog post or article. I use an "editor" usually my wife who looks it over misspellings, grammar, or confusing content. I don't usually do that for HN though since it's a more informal medium.
1. Reading other good writing. 2. Practicing writing.
The first one is pretty self explanatory. Just read good writing and analyze the patterns they use to express themselves.
The second involves practicing the art of writing. When I write, even on a site like HN, I take my time.
The first draft is a throwaway. I just dump what's in my head on the screen or paper.
Then I "refactor" it. I add organization to the thoughts and concepts and then I ruthlessly cut anything not crucial to what I want to express.
I have a last step I use when It's a blog post or article. I use an "editor" usually my wife who looks it over misspellings, grammar, or confusing content. I don't usually do that for HN though since it's a more informal medium.