These five ways to write authentically are inspired by Anne Lamott – one of my favorite published authors. She’ll teach you how to be a successful writer, whether you like it or not!

Before the tips, a quip:

“Write straight into the emotional center of things,” writes Lamott in Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life. ”Write toward vulnerability. Don’t worry about appearing sentimental. Worry about being unavailable; worry about being absent or fraudulent.”

Authentic writing hooks readers and editors…and it’s much more interesting for you to write! Read  on for Lamott’s tips on improving your writing with authenticity, and click on Bird by Bird to learn more about writing, editing, and life in general.

How to Write Authentically From Anne Lamott

1. Think of yourself as a revolutionary. You’re not just a writer – you’re a creator of new ideas, new worlds, new possibilities! You’re setting a whole new stage for your reader. Don’t be timid. Have courage to take risks.

2. Show your personality. Do you love Lamott’s nonfiction books, but don’t care for her novels? Say it. Did you just set up a new blog that you’re thrilled about? Talk about it. Let your writer’s voice and style shine through your writing! For writing tips, read How to Make Your Writing Edgy and Quirky.

3. Express your ideas, no matter how zany. The editor (aka you in many cases) can later tone it down or take it out if it’s too much. Lamott’s tip for writing authentically didn’t say this in so many words, but I do know that it’s better to go too far and scale back, versus not having enough depth in the first place.

4. Break a few writing rules. The Renegade Writer by Linda Formichelli and Diana Burrell is great for encouraging writers to step outside the box, especially when it comes to pitching queries to magazine editors. Learn the rules of writing, and then let your own writing flow. Read 3 Writing Rules From Diana Gabaldon, and then break them if you dare! 

5. Consider your moral obligation as a writer. Hmm, this is a tough part of Lamott’s writing advice, particularly because it changes from writer to writer. You need to decide what your moral obligation as a writer is, and stick to your values regardless of external or internal pressure. An example of this would be writing honestly about your childhood, even if it doesn’t paint a rosy picture of your parents or siblings. (This is tricky, though, because you have to consider their privacy).

A final quip about writing:

“And the problem is, when you don’t risk anything, you risk even more,” said Erica Jong.

If you have any questions or comments about writing authentically from Anne Lamott, please fire away below!

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