How To Be A Better Writer

Writing is a professional skill applicable in multiple industries. From writing content for advertisements to producing original works of fiction, or writing riveting journalistic articles, writing is involved everywhere. Many of us use writing as a therapeutic agent, a means to relax. As a result, we keep diaries and journals to record our thoughts and vent our feelings. Whether you write for personal use or as a profession, there should always be a desire to become better at this skill. If you are interested in learning how to become a better writer, our guide will offer you valuable insight into steps which can be taken to improve your writing skill.

Lesson 1: Read More Quality Material
Many people mistakenly assume that if you want to become a better writer, you only have to put pen to paper or fingers to keyboard and start writing. While this is not bad advice, and will be elaborated upon later, it must not be considered in isolation. It is highly recommended that you begin to read on a regular basis, or reconnect with the habit if you have been out of touch. There are several benefits to this. Firstly, by reading quality literature - taken to mean both works of fiction and non-fiction - you will be able to develop a better understanding of the standards which constitute quality writing. A good piece of writing may serve as a benchmark, and could automatically help you improve your own writing style.

Secondly, a good reading habit will allow your imagination to be exercised, which could help you to push the creative boundaries of your own writing. Lastly, it will help you pick up on appropriate ways of grammar and punctuation usage in everyday writing, which would help you correct your mistakes.

Lesson 2: Write Regularly
Ask any famous author about how to become a better writer, and more often than not their advice will involve telling you to consistently engage with the profession. Whether you are having a good day or bad or whether you have a lot of time or very little, make sure that you are able to scribble down something, even if it is bad. Getting through a first draft will be very easy on some days and painfully hard on others, but with a consistent writing habit, you will be able to generate content more easily and let your thoughts flow freely. Jennifer Egan said it right when she said "For me, the bad beginning is just something to build on. It's no big deal. You have to give yourself permission to do that because you can't expect to write regularly and always write well.

Lesson 3: Keep Good Company
Consider joining informal writers clubs in your community, or enrolling in short writing programs. These will help you better understand the elements that go in to making a written piece stand out, and allow you to give and take honest feedback from your peers. Through mutual support, everyone could grow as a writer.