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I just read the preface of Writing To Learn by William Zinsser that he had writ in April, 1988. It’s a classic for reasons. The writing is a logical flow; of good reasoning and it’s coherent about a point. The point is that Zinsser wants us to learn writing-one; and two-he wants us to learn subjects through writing. He doesn’t force his readers. His enthusiasm, logical it may be-more than emotionally charged still, glides into the reader’s heart and puts the point home.

Now, what do I know about writing? I have used writing to learn for years – much in a way like Zinsser himself. Of writing I can say that it puts the enthusiasm behind one’s imagination. Imagination leads the way while the enthusiasm keeps the move on in the journey. How cool are imagination and enthusiasm together! Like brothers, if one falters, the other gets them both through. And this in a long life makes a life of hard-work. I certainly know that my imagination and enthusiasm do that with me. They never leave my penned hand. They want the ink to make good the reader’s time while he reads my blogs.

I know better than anyone that writing with Ali is not a chore. I feel it is more of a healthy mental activity. You can’t be sloppy in writing, otherwise people will leave instantly. This stays in the centre of my mind while I write. This renders in my writing the goodness it strives to portray.

Questions I Answer About Writing To Learn

There arrive a couple of questions in my mind that I will try to answer in this blog post.

1. Why is it that writers – even good writers today – doubt their God-gifted abilities and give in to generative Ai and its quick output; and this so in a way that makes them give up their practice?
2. How to relax to write?- knowing Ai will do its writing for you BUT NEVER YOUR WRITING FOR YOU!

Giving up your writing practice is always depressing, especially when you know its your major, your biggest, your giant release for general happiness.

I’m not talking content writing by internet marketers – I’m talking all good writing by those who aspire for excellence. Well, for that matter, those who aspire for excellence are never taken aback in a jerk by generative Ai tools for artificial writing. They smash through resistance. They’re Steven Pressfield’s friends so to say. They win the war of art. They win the wars of writing.

It may not be easy, but it’s usually within their reach to win at writing.

Now come the reasons that make the self-doubters halt at trying to crush through the resisting blank sheet of paper.

One, their agency is a following-agency, not a leadership-agency. If one is a following minded person, he doesn’t risk losing his comfort. He wants the leader to take action, take the risk and clear the path for him. In this case, the leader is Generative Ai. But it’s a hyper-active leader. Its intelligence is boosted by its ‘desire’ to do ALL THE HEAVY-LIFTING FOR YOU. And when that’s done, there’s little left to write. Even motivation suffers.

Two, their agency is not consistent. It’s a curable situation. It’s cure is in knowing how to relax to write. Here are five facts to relax your mind in order to write.

How To Relax For Writing To Learn

1. Writing is the most difficult task that is easiest to master. You will surely master writing well if you consistently write to learn.
2. Writing is way better than passive speaking. You can experiment with new words!
3. Writing lets you be yourself, it is uniquely positioned for you to say that fully which is in your mind.
4. Writing is an act of knowledge – so the lovers of knowledge have their solace in it. Solace is relaxation.
5. Writing will not end. You will come to an end but your writing will outgrow you-it lasts longer. So, might as well leave a legacy!

This is then what I want you to know and enjoin regarding Writing To Learn after reading its preface today.