[This is part of the series: 20 Writing Tips From John Erickson]

I think it matters more that you write – than necessarily how you write.

Sure you need clarity and to avoid adverbs and all.

But that should be a given.

The point is not to get bogged down fretting over your writing style.

Style is an untouchable tone you feel at the end of reading a piece, almost an outgrowth of your personality.

But content is where you get to whisk people’s minds away with a good story.

I struggle with this issue much less than I use to.

1. The first ingredient in good writing is content, not style.

-John Erickson, Story Craft (Amazon)