The Truth About Writing About Writing
Why Meta Writing is Fine if You’ve Done the Time
Since joining Substack, I’ve noticed something curious.
There are two kinds of writers.
Those who write about writing—and those who think writing about writing isn’t real writing at all.
They call it meta. Self-indulgent. Pointless. A creative cul-de-sac.
But after 25+ years as a professional copywriter (with client work to do literally today)…
After selling a short film I wrote and directed…
After publishing a novel and ghostwriting for CEOs…
I can tell you with certainty:
Writing about writing is 100% valid—if you do it properly.
Why Most Writing Advice Falls Flat
Let’s be honest. Most “writing about writing” content is surface-level fluff.
It’s just content for the sake of content:
“Be authentic”
“Write every day”
“Tell your story”
There’s nothing wrong with these tips. But they don’t help anyone unless they’re rooted in real practice and personal experience.
That’s the difference.
When you’ve actually written for a living—when you’ve paid bills with your words—you stop sharing vague advice and start teaching frameworks, habits, and mindset shifts that work.
That’s not navel-gazing. That’s service.
What Jack Needs Isn’t Theory
Let me introduce you to Jack.
He’s 45. Married with kids. Commutes to a job that bores him senseless.
But every morning, before the chaos starts, he pours coffee, opens his laptop, and tries to write something that matters.
He’s bought the courses. Listened to the podcasts.
Still feels stuck. Still doesn’t know how to make his writing move the needle.
So here’s what Jack actually needs:
Write before work, not after—energy fades, resistance grows
Use the SALT framework—Story, Analogy, Lesson, Tie-in
Story: Share something real. Doesn’t have to be dramatic.
Analogy: Link it to a universal emotion or struggle (your avatar’s pain point)
Lesson: Offer a shift in perspective. Not advice — insight with action steps.
Tie-in: Connect it to your offer, tool, or next step with a soft CTA.
Set a tiny daily target—300 words is enough to win the day
Treat writing like reps—don’t wait for motivation, build momentum
Repurpose one post into many—email, blog, X, LinkedIn
These aren’t just tips—they’re survival strategies.
And that’s why writing about writing matters.
Because it gives people like Jack a real shot at building something with their words.
Weekday Writer Is Built For Jack (& You)
That’s why I created Weekday Writer—a daily dose of practical writing wisdom for creators with big dreams and limited time.
It’s for the early risers. The before-breakfasters. The side hustlers building something real.
We skip the fluff. We focus on reps, systems, and sustainable momentum.
If you want to write better—and turn your words into a content business that works—join us.
Let’s turn your daily writing habit into a life-changing practice.
👻 Content Champion Ghostwriting
Need content that sounds like you & grows your business (without writing it yourself)? Want to work with a 25+ year veteran copywriter? Let’s talk.
📧 loz@contentchampion.com