Great Advice on Writing and Choosing the Right Note-Taking App

Great Advice on Writing and Choosing the Right Note-Taking App

Writing is a craft that requires time, practice, and finding your own unique voice. Tim Urban, the founder of Wait But Why, shares his advice on writing, emphasizing the importance of experimentation and continuous improvement. He suggests rewriting parts, starting over, and trying new approaches until you find what clicks for you. It's a journey of self-discovery and growth as a writer.

One of the key aspects of becoming a better writer is reading. Tim compares reading to fertilizer for your writing. By immersing yourself in the works of other writers, you can learn from their styles, techniques, and storytelling abilities. At the beginning, it's okay to imitate the writing style of someone you admire. It helps you find your footing and develop your own style gradually. The goal is to start somewhere in the middle, not completely copying others but not being completely unique either. As you mature as a writer, you can work your way up the scale towards your own unique voice.

However, when seeking feedback on your writing, it's essential to be selective about who you listen to. The person giving feedback should genuinely believe in you, root for your success, and understand that what they're reading is not your maximum potential, but rather a work in progress. Constructive feedback from someone who meets these criteria can be invaluable in helping you improve and find your voice.

While the quality of writing is important, it's crucial to remember that the ideas behind the writing hold greater significance. It's better to have great ideas with pretty good writing than the other way around. Focus on developing and refining your ideas, as they are the foundation of your writing.

Now, let's shift our attention to choosing the right note-taking app. The note-taking tools market is growing rapidly, and it's expected to reach $1.35 billion by 2026. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to find the perfect app for your note-taking needs. However, there are three popular note-taking styles that can help guide your decision: the architect, the gardener, and the librarian.

The architect is someone who enjoys planning, designing processes, and creating frameworks. They need a note-taking tool that allows them to easily structure their ideas. Apps like Notion, Coda, and Tettra cater to this note-taking style. They provide a hierarchical structure based on pages and categories, enabling architects to organize their thoughts effectively.

On the other hand, the gardener is someone who enjoys exploring, connecting various thoughts together, and brainstorming. They need a note-taking tool that allows them to easily grow their ideas. Apps like Roam, Obsidian, TiddlyWiki, RemNote, and Milanote are perfect for this style. These apps offer non-linear note-taking, with bi-directional linking that helps in discovering connections between ideas. They encourage free thinking and creativity.

Lastly, the librarian is someone who enjoys collecting and building a catalogue of resources. They need a note-taking tool that allows them to easily retrieve their ideas. Evernote, Bear, and OneNote are popular choices for librarians. These apps excel in storing a large amount of mostly static information, making it easy to retrieve later. They are particularly useful for writers and researchers who need to access a vast collection of ideas and references.

When choosing a note-taking app, you can base your decision on your note-taking style or your specific use case. If you need to store a large amount of information for easy retrieval, a librarian-style app like Evernote might be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you want to brainstorm new ideas and engage in free thinking, a gardener-style app like Roam or Obsidian would be more suitable.

Here are three actionable pieces of advice to help you in your writing and note-taking journey:

1. Experiment and refine your writing style: Don't be afraid to try different approaches, rewrite parts, and start over if something isn't working. Keep fiddling until you find what clicks for you.

2. Read extensively: Immerse yourself in the works of other writers to learn from their styles and techniques. This will help you develop your own unique voice as a writer.

3. Choose the right note-taking app for your style: Consider your note-taking style and specific use case when selecting an app. Whether you're an architect, a gardener, or a librarian, there are options available to cater to your needs.

In conclusion, writing and note-taking are both processes of self-discovery and growth. Finding your voice as a writer takes time and experimentation. Reading extensively and seeking feedback from the right people can greatly contribute to your development as a writer. Similarly, choosing the right note-taking app based on your style and use case can enhance your productivity and creativity. Remember to keep refining your craft, nurturing your ideas, and finding the tools that work best for you.