How to Make Readers Fall in Love with Your Writing (Even If You Think You Suck)
I know exactly how it feels to doubt your own writing.
When I started my writing journey, I questioned whether my words were good enough, whether anyone would care, and, most importantly, whether I had any business calling myself a writer.
But over time, I discovered a secret: You don’t have to be perfect to make readers fall in love with your writing. You just have to be real.
Here’s what I’ve learned about captivating readers, even when self-doubt is screaming in your ear.
1. Write with your heart, not just your head.
Early on, I tried to write what I thought people wanted to read. It never worked. My writing was stiff, uninspired. The moment I let go and started writing from my own experiences, emotions, and struggles, everything changed. Readers connect with authenticity. They don’t need you to be a literary genius; they need to feel something when they read your words.
If you’re struggling, ask yourself: What do I deeply care about? Start there. The more personal your writing, the more universal it becomes.
2. Find your voice and own it.
When I first started writing on Medium, I mimicked the styles of writers I admired. It took me years to realize that my own voice—my own way of telling stories—was what made my writing stand out.
Readers fall in love with writers who sound real, not rehearsed.
If you think you suck at writing, it might just be because you haven’t embraced your own voice yet. Pay attention to how you naturally speak, how you tell stories to friends, and how you express excitement, frustration, or joy. Then, let that voice flow onto the page.
3. Make every sentence earn its keep.
I learned this lesson the hard way. In my early books, I would overwrite—long paragraphs filled with unnecessary details that slowed the reader down. Then I realized: If a sentence doesn’t add value, it needs to go.
Writing isn’t just about putting words on a page; it’s about keeping readers engaged.
One simple trick? Read your writing aloud. If you stumble or feel bored, chances are your readers will too. Cut ruthlessly. Your readers will thank you.
4. Tell stories that stick.
Humans are wired for stories. When I wrote dry, instructional articles, they barely got any engagement. But when I shared a personal story—like the time I almost quit writing because I thought no one cared—I got floods of messages from people saying, “This is exactly how I feel!”
Even if you’re writing nonfiction, weave in stories. A single compelling anecdote can make your message unforgettable.
5. Engage with your readers like they’re friends.
I didn’t build a loyal audience on Substack by treating readers like numbers. I built it by treating them like friends. I reply to emails, ask them questions, and genuinely care about their writing journeys. The best writers aren’t just great at putting words on a page—they make their readers feel seen and heard.
When you engage with your audience, you’re not just a writer anymore. You’re a trusted voice. And trust is what makes readers fall in love with your writing.
6. Keep writing, even when you think you suck.
I’ve written six books, and guess what? I still have moments where I think my writing isn’t good enough. But I’ve learned that the only way to get better is to keep going. Every writer I admire has doubted themselves at some point. The difference between those who succeed and those who don’t? The ones who succeed keep writing anyway.
So, if you ever feel like your writing isn’t good enough, know this: Your words matter. Your voice matters. And there’s someone out there who needs to hear exactly what you have to say.
Now go write something and let the world fall in love with it.
On Wednesday, I'll be diving into "Leveraging Amazon’s Algorithm and Ads to Sell More Books" Stay tuned!
That’s all from me today.
As always, thanks for reading.
