5 tips to becoming a better writer

Do you want to become a better writer?

1. Write every day. E.v.e.r.y. d.a.y. If you can’t get your brain going, take a sentence or an idea from your story or a character and write anything that comes to mind. Sometimes telling yourself to write is like the nurse telling you to urinate in a plastic cup. It will happen. Just keep trying.

2. Dedicate time to improving your skills by reading blogs and books on how to write. There are so many helpful writing blogs out there. If you click on one, you will see links to others listed in sidebar. I also find Grammar Girl helpful in honing my skills. (But this is no time to judge me.) And don’t forget about online writing courses.

Warning: Blog reading is addictive. Limit yourself or you may have to join Bloggers Anonymous.

3. Don’t be boring. Write the outrageous. Use your imagination. This mindset will make your story better. Even though you were taught to color inside the box in grade school, I’m telling you to stop it! I want you to color outside that writer box.

4. Think as a writer. Let no activity in your life go unnoticed in your mind. Jot down news stories, silly stuff that happens to you at the grocery store, or things that make you pause. These life experiences can be a setting in your next story/book/script/poem. Those hateful or quirky people along the way can be your next characters. Let nothing escape you.

5. Read. What better way to learn to write than to read those who are successful authors and the genre in which you wish to write.

Finally, this article by Mary Jaksch on 73 ways to become a better writer is worth reading.


Now it's your turn, share one of your “becoming a better writer” tips.