How to Grow as a Writer: The 7 Ps of Writing

My personal pillars for growing as a writer

The 7 Ps (aka pillars) of Writing are a roadmap I made up to becoming a better writer, regardless of whether you aspire to be a professional or are simply looking to enhance your written communication skills. Each “P” can help you to refine your abilities and find your voice.

Writing is a skill that can be learned, improved, and mastered. Whether you write for fun, for work, or for passion, you can always benefit from developing your writing abilities.

In this post, I will share with you the 7 Ps of writing growth – a framework that can help you become a better writer.

1. Put away your pride

Before becoming a writer worth your salt, it’s essential to set aside your pride. Writing is a process of continuous growth and learning, and no writer, no matter how accomplished, is without room for improvement. To become a better writer, you must be willing to accept constructive criticism and be open to revising your work. Your pride can blind you to your weaknesses, hindering your progress.

2. Polish your skills

Writing, like any craft, requires skill development. You must refine your vocabulary, grammar, and style. Never underestimate the power of editing and proofreading. These steps are where your raw ideas transform into polished prose. Continuous refinement is the path to mastery.

3. Pursue perspective

Understanding people and their values is a cornerstone of effective writing. The power of perspective is the ability to see the world through the eyes of others. This skill allows you to create stories, characters, and content that demonstrate a comprehensive, nuanced, and holistic point of view of the world. A well-rounded context for life adds depth and authenticity to your writing.

4. Purpose pushes writing

When I talk about purpose, I’m not talking about your purpose. No one cares about that. I mean…I do, because I’m an empath but realistically, readers care about your work, not you.

When I talk about purpose, I am talking about the purpose of the writing itself. Writing without purpose is like sailing without a destination. Discover your “why” for writing – be it to educate, entertain, inspire, or inform, or a combination of these. A clear purpose will give your writing direction and better allow your work to resonate with your target audience.

5. Pain is the most powerful thing

Pain, in its various forms, is a potent source of inspiration for writers. It might be personal pain, the pain of others, or the collective pain of society. Pain fuels emotion and deepens the connection between writer and reader. It’s in these moments of vulnerability that some of the most impactful writing is born.

6. Patience! You need it!

Writing is a journey that demands patience. It’s not uncommon to experience writer’s block or to struggle with self-doubt. Patience is your anchor during these turbulent times. Trust in your process, and don’t be discouraged by temporary setbacks. With patience, your writing will evolve and flourish.

7. Practice. Practice. Practice.

The final “P” is perhaps the most straightforward but also the most crucial: practice. Writing, like any other skill, improves with consistent practice. It’s not about writing a masterpiece with every attempt but about refining your abilities over time. The more you write, the more confident and skilled you become.

Writing growth is possible for anyone who is willing to follow the 7 Ps. Applying them may not turn you into the best writer in the world (you know, since there’s no such thing) BUT it will help you become the best writer you can be.