“Nobody wants to read your sh*t” by Steven Pressfield

The author 🖋

Steven Pressfield is a former U.S. Marine, bestselling author, screenwriter and writing coach.

He’s been part of major Hollywood films like "Above the Law" and "Freejack" and has developed a dedicated following for his insights on the creative process of writing.

Key takeaways 🎓

1. Think about the reader

Write things that others will enjoy reading.

Pressfield emphasizes that writers need to focus on what interests the reader, not just what interests they have themselves.

Understanding and addressing the reader's needs and desires should always be the top priority, regardless of what we’re writing.

2. Keep it simple

Good writing is clear and straightforward.

The author advises stripping away unnecessary details and focusing on delivering a powerful message with simplicity.

Remove anything that isn’t needed and use simple words so everyone can understand.

3. Tell stories

A good piece often involves a compelling story.

Stories grab our attention and keep us interested. They have a clear beginning, middle and end. They help us understand things better. They get us emotionally engaged.

Whatever we’re writing, learning to add storytelling will make sure it gets read more.

Closing thoughts 🧠

Nobody wants to read our work unless it is exceptionally good - the reader is donating their time and attention, which are valuable commodities.

The book is full of practical advice for anyone who wants to improve their writing and offers a candid perspective on the challenges that most writers face (including yours truly 😅)