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Have you ever sat there, thinking “I wish I could write?” Not “I wish I could write like Joe Schmo or anyone in particular,” just “I wish I could write.” I think you can. I don't mean the one novel that's in all of us. Believe me, I've read a lot of those. It's not true.
But you can write something. An opinion? Opinions are good. We all have them. Done something technical? What about a how-to, or a review? Maybe a poem? A haiku in response to Eric Schmidt? Go ahead, learn a new art-form.
I write a lot of words, and I confess I have followed the rules and I have failed. Also, I have thrown away the rules and I have failed. That's why we have editors.
I can give you lists of attributes of good writing: • Clarity • Accuracy • Relevance • Sincerity (Remember, if you can fake this, you can fake anything.) • Concision • Transparency • Consistency
I can give you list upon list of rules for writing most kinds of text. You know the kind of thing I mean: • Put the reader first. • Be clear. • Be specific. • Get to the point. Then stop. • Express one thought at a time. • Use short phrases. • Use short sentences. • Use short paragraphs. • Never use a long word when a short one will do. • Edit thoroughly; cut, cut, cut
I know it's difficult. Web readers have a short attention span, and you just can't show off the extent of your vocabulary, given our readership is trans-national. That doesn't make it impossible.
I mark my own papers these days: 'must try harder'.
Why don't you give it a go? Any subject will do. Go ahead, write something. Write anything.