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15 Writing Tips From Charles Bukowski

You might hate him, but he’s right when it comes to writing

Ryan Miller
3 min readOct 12, 2023
Photo by Andrew Neel on Unsplash

Charles Bukowski, the iconic and often controversial writer, was known for his raw, unfiltered style and his no-nonsense approach to life and literature. He offered a wealth of wisdom to aspiring writers, which can serve as valuable guidance for anyone looking to improve their writing. Here are 15 writing tips inspired by Charles Bukowski’s own journey as a writer:

1. Write Every Day:

Bukowski’s famous advice is to write every day, regardless of inspiration. The act of writing regularly hones your skills and keeps your creative muscles in shape.

2. Don’t Try:

Bukowski believed that trying too hard could stifle creativity. He advised writers not to try but to let the writing flow naturally.

3. Find Your Own Voice:

Rather than imitating others, Bukowski encouraged writers to find their unique voice. Your authenticity is what sets you apart from the rest.

4. Write for Yourself:

Bukowski stressed the importance of writing for yourself, not for an audience. Be honest and unapologetic in your writing.

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Ryan Miller
Ryan Miller

Written by Ryan Miller

Ying & Yang | Happy. Positive. Tech Savvy. Writer. Leader. Magnetic Person. Living Human Being. Dreamer.

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