You can’t become an exceptional writer without getting out and experiencing the world. Your knowledge of other domains will not only fuel your creative tank but also generate insights for your books, Medium stories, poetry, etc.

Imperfect comparisons draw people in. Surprise your readers with strange arguments and unexpected analogies.

Gladwell has learned to give his readers both candy (something fun to talk about) and a meal (something more substantial and heady) in his writing. The candy is easy for readers to share with their friends, and it also provides an entry point for others to learn about the story and sit down for the full meal.

Find ways to give your readers both something to think about and something to talk about in your work.

numbers can be a powerful force in stories as long as you ascribe purpose to the data. Data isn’t compelling on its own, so you must give it meaning.

One of the best ways to put numbers into context is to compare them to other concepts that are familiar to your readers.

“I always have to be careful that the things that I find interesting and the things the world find interesting — I know from past experience — they overlap, but they do not overlap perfectly.” -Gladwell

Pay attention to what resonates with your friends, family, and readers. Remember that each person experiences the world differently. Sometimes a concept that amazes you will do nothing for your readers, or vice versa.

If you’re interviewing someone, don’t let them forget what your audience will find interesting about them. Follow your curiosity. Ask questions. Expose the secrets of that world so your readers will gain understanding and empathy.

Whether you’re describing the world of a real person or a fictional character, consider illustrating their physical space to show who they are. Use objects to tell stories of the person’s memories, priorities, dreams, and routines.

Gladwell’s advice: “If you say something that you think is really pithy and great, then don’t bury it in a big sentence.”

“If you write something that people find interesting, the system will find you. The system is pretty efficient…Not always, but the world’s pretty good at finding talent.” -Gladwell

Marketing your work is important, but it’s FAR more important to double-down on your efforts to write something worth noticing. Put your head down. Trust the process. Talent finds a way.

“Once you’ve written something, it no longer belongs to you. It belongs to your readers.” -Gladwell

If you refuse to write down half-baked ideas, you will severely limit your potential as an author. Think of the writing process like an oven. The very act of writing is what helps bake the idea — creating a delightful final product.

Allow yourself to work out problems on paper. It’s easier to make connections on paper through the drafting process than it is to do it all in your head.