It’s no secret that the way we teach and learn in schools can be quite different from the way we practice and perform as professional writers. Whether you’re just starting out or have been writing for a while and are looking to branch out, learning how to write across disciplines can help you become more adaptable and resourceful.
Writing is a skill that we all learn with practice, but it takes a bit of insight to realize just how much practice you need to be doing. In a similar fashion, writing across disciplines means you’ll be learning how to take on a variety of tasks and how to use a variety of tools to accomplish those tasks.
The Variety Of Tasks
While all writers’ tasks are not created equal, the variety of tasks you’ll be faced with as a writer will depend on your level of expertise and the nature of your project. To give you an idea of what kinds of tasks you might encounter, here are a few examples:
- non-fiction: Researching sources, gathering facts, and marshaling evidence (both literary and informational);
- creating content for websites or blogs: Performing web searches, gathering relevant content, and arranging it into an engaging and informative post;
- creating advertising or marketing materials: Researching key terms, analyzing consumer behavior, and crafting compelling advertisements and pitches.
The main thing to keep in mind is that no matter what kind of writing you’re doing, you’ll always have a goal in mind (e.g., sell more books, raise brand awareness, inspire action). To meet those goals, you’ll need to find a way to structure your writing and ensure you’re reaching your target audience. For more information on the different types of tasks and their relative advantages and disadvantages, check out this helpful presentation from the International Coach House.
The Variety Of Tools
Just because you’re writing for a variety of audiences and purposes doesn’t mean you need to limit yourself to a single toolset or method of operation. Different kinds of writing—ranging from blogs to books to digital marketing and advertising materials—require a variety of approaches and tools. If you want to be a generalist, you’ll need to know how to operate in a variety of environments.
In addition to the tasks you’ll be performing, you’ll also need to consider the software and hardware you need to accomplish those tasks. When it comes to writing, there are many tools available out there, and knowing which ones to use can be a challenge, especially if you’re just starting out. Here are a few guidelines to help you make the right choice:
- Look for tools made for writers—this means the tool can handle the basics of grammar, punctuation, and spelling;
- Look for tools that are multi-functional—this means the tool can do more than one thing (e.g., format documents, write emails, search the web, create schedules, etc.);
- Consider cross-platform compatibility—this means the tool can be used in a variety of different situations (e.g., on a personal computer, tablet, or smartphone).
It’s also important to note that while writing tools can be useful, they aren’t necessarily essential. After all, you don’t need a fancy tool to write a simple sentence. However, if you want to be able to write in a professional manner, you’ll need to consider buying a nice tool (e.g., a laser printer, typewriter, or notebook computer).
Ultimately, the best advice is to try out a variety of tools and see which ones work best for you. As you begin to build your toolkit, remember that the way you use the tools is just as important as having them in the first place. Being familiar with a variety of tools and operating systems can only help you become a better writer. If you’re looking for a place to start, The Writers Lab offers an amazing tool called Storybench, which can help you structure and outline the various arcs and subplots in your story. Once you’ve got that down, creating an action-packed plot will be a breeze.
Writing Across Disciplines Can Help
As a newcomer to the field of writing, you might not know what kinds of skills and knowledge you need to have. Coming from a non-fiction background, you might not be used to dealing with narrative structure or the various types of story arcs. On the other hand, if you’re from a creative background, you might not be familiar with the conventions and formatting standards of non-fiction writers.
If you’re worried about not knowing enough about one aspect of writing, you might be better off taking a course or reading a book on the subject. Luckily, there are several creative fields you can dive into that will enhance your knowledge of writing in general and how to write across disciplines specifically. For example, if you’re interested in creating fiction, you can take a course on novel writing or read a book on the subject. Or if you’re interested in marketing and advertising, you can take a course or look at examples of successful marketing campaigns and analyze their structure and components.
Writing across disciplines can help you become a better writer in general. No matter what kind of task you’re facing, learning how to write effectively and efficiently is a universal skill that will serve you well in your quest to become an accomplished writer. By mastering the basics of grammar, punctuation, and spelling, you’ll immediately see improvements in your writing quality and ability to communicate with your audience. In addition, being familiar with a variety of tasks and tools will only help you become more efficient and effective as a writer.