5 Ways to Be a Better Writer
I'm always on the look out for ways to be better at the things I love, and today I'm sharing a couple of ways to become a better writer.
I am by no means the best writer, but I'm definitely a better writer than I was a month ago, a year ago, five -- or even ten years ago, and I'll continue to become better as long as I'm putting forth the effort to do so.
That's the fun part about trying to be better at stuff -- eventually, you're better and you can look back on your progress and really feel a sense of accomplishment, even if you only made a few small changes.
5 Ways to Be a Better Writer
Write a lot. Write as much as you can. There are people who say to write every single day -- I'm not a huge fan anything 'every single day', there just isn't enough room for reality. That being said, it is important to practice your writing and to sit down and write as much as you can.
Free Write. Just sit and write whatever is in your head. Just get the stuff out and onto some paper. Hell, it doesn't even have to be paper -- use a cardboard box, or your phone, or the margins of some junk mail. Just put the pen to the paper and ramble on and on until you're done (these are also the most hilarious things to look back on).
Screw Grammar + Convention. Don't be bogged down by trying to write perfect prose. Use lists and diagrams to help you get your thoughts onto paper. It is much easier to write well when you already know what you're trying to say.
Use writing prompts to help you get started. Randomly sitting down and writing (especially at the beginning) is super hard. Use writing prompts to get a jump start.
Find a way to keep yourself accountable. Accountability is key to forming any new habit. Find a way to keep yourself accountable to the writing goals you set for yourself. I keep myself accountable by joining in on creative writing challenges.
And my super special bonus tip: READ. READ. READ. READ. READ. Reading will help you see how others are putting words together, how others are forming sentences and paragraphs and creating new turns of phrase. By submersing yourself in words, it becomes much easier to regurgitate those words later on. You'll not only expand your vocabulary, but you'll learn to connect to old words in new and inspiring ways.