Good writing and how to identify them

Today marks my first post for the “Writing Well & Habitually” (Vi?t Hay và ??u) challenge in the next 12 weeks, powered by M? - M? và H?i . And I had to think about what writing well means to me. How do you identify good writing? Is good writing something viral on the internet, or something that brings value to a niche audience?

When you read a good piece of writing, you just know it. But what makes it good? That’s hard to answer. And with that, I embark on a journey to define what “good writing” is, to me.

What is good writing?

When I look up this term on Google, each article describes good writing differently. Even in our class itself, each blogger crafts their own definitions of “good writing”.

To cite “internet knowledge”, here’s a text from Irene Iwasaki:

“Good writing starts with a good idea that is supported by relevant research. Good writing means quality content that includes a plausible argument or thesis that is supported by strong subtopics and specific examples. It has clear formatting and no spelling, punctuation, or grammar mistakes. It should also be consistent in style and voice from beginning to end.”

My first takeaway is to do research, and take care of the formating. But this is still a bit too… textbook. Good writing to me is about emotions, what you leave the reader after they close the book (or in my case, the tab). Do they yearn for more or never look at what you write anymore?

Then, I found Rodney Vessels, declaring: “Good writing is natural and organic, rather than labored and presumptuous. The writer does not take herself or himself seriously and is not filled with self-importance.”

This, I can resonates with. I want readers to see me as myself, not as some fake online persona. But again, is it enough?

In the midst of confusion, I stumbled upon the wise words of K.P. Roadkill, who claims to be a “Connoisseur of Good Writing”. From her experience, good writing always has these 5 qualities:

1. Content.?Have something interesting to say, beyond the pre-approved and the obvious.
2. Clarity.?If the readers have to struggle to figure out what you are saying, the writing has failed.
3. Flow.?Pull the reader effortlessly and pleasurably from one sentence to the next.
4. Voice.?Have a signature, let your writing live with its own voice.
5. Play. Writing should be fun to read. Your readers need to be?seduced. Whatever else he might be, the writer is also an entertainer.

And I’ve decided to “steal” this as my standard of good writings.

A journey to good writing

It’s thrilling to make good writings, but also a great challenge. My experience in this vast world of writing is still too narrow. It might take me years to acquire enough wisdom to add depth to my content and define a writing voice that is uniquely mine.

With my current ability, I’m far away from writing great pieces that will last beyond my lifetime. I’m not even good at writing creative content that goes viral.

For the 12-week challenge, to identify if my writing is worthy of being called “Good”, here’s a checklist for myself to get started.

Content:

• Do your ideas spark curiosity and offer fresh perspectives?
• Is it interesting??Would you want to read it yourself?
• Does it offer value??Will the reader learn something new or be entertained?

Clarity:

• Can a reader understand your point in one reading?
• Are your sentences clear and concise?
• Have you avoided jargon or overly complex language?

Flow:

• Does your writing read smoothly??Are there any awkward transitions?
• Does each sentence logically connect to the next?
• Have you used transitions to guide the reader through your ideas?

Voice:

• Does your writing have a distinct personality?
• Is your voice appropriate for your audience and purpose?
• Does your writing style feel genuine and engaging?

Play:

• Is your writing fun to read?
• Have you incorporated humor, anecdotes, or figurative language where appropriate?
• Does your writing create a sense of enjoyment or intrigue for the reader?

Begin with the end in mind

The idea of "beginning with the end in mind," as Stephen Covey highlights in The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, is a powerful one. It brings clarity, efficiency, and purpose.

With that, I would like to introduce my goal: to craft content that sparks a "Heck yeah, I wrote that!" moment.

I don't want to just churn out information. I envision these pieces as mental bridges, connecting with readers and offering genuine value. This, in turn, opens the door for them to get to know me.

Imagine frequent visits where you get a glimpse into my thinking, fostering a sense of familiarity, just like following a close friend's daily stories.

And that wraps up my first LinkedIn article, and officially announce my WOTN Challenge series.

#wotn #vietdeuvahay

Bài vi?t thu?c th? thách Vi?t ??u và Hay c?a Writing On The Net Alumni