Many bloggers find writing threatening. Even if their idea for a post is great, its completing might not always be easy. The good news is writing skills can be perfected. It takes lots of motivation, discipline and a willingness to learn, but the results can substantially improve your style and help you create more engaging posts. Here are 6 simple steps to set you on the right track to help you improve your writing skills.
Perhaps you have dreams of becoming the next Great Novelist. Or maybe you just want to be able to better express your thoughts and ideas more clearly. Whether you want to improve your writing skills as a creative writer or simply perfect your skills for schoolwork, you can take some steps to learn how to be a better writer. Becoming a great writer or even a good writer takes practice and knowledge, but with enough hard work perhaps someday somebody will aspire to be the next you
1. Get your basics
This is the first step every writer should take to improve their skills. If you want to excel at writing, you’ll need to have a firm grasp on grammar, spelling and syntax. Always write with your spell-check on to avoid typos and don’t hesitate to use a thesaurus tool for enriching your wording. Always proofread your post before publishing it. Only then will you be able to spot grammar mistakes like mixed tenses. Using present and past or future tense in one paragraph might seem like a good idea, but readers might find it confusing.
2. Use strong words.
Good writing, whether it’s in a novel or a scholarly essay, is precise, evocative and spiced with the unexpected. Finding the right verb or adjective can turn an uninspired sentence into one people will remember and quote for years to come. Look for words that are as specific as possible. Try not to repeat the same word over and over unless you are trying to build a rhythm with it. Practice makes perfect, but in order to gain an insight into what good writing is supposed to look like, make sure to follow blogs that offer top-notch content. Reading on a regular basis is the first step to developing writing skills. Don’t be afraid to imitate those who you consider masters of the craft.
3. Join training or writing cluster
This is probably the best idea for writers who want to polish their skills. If you think a writing workshop is like therapy, where people read excerpts of their journals and basically bare their souls to the world, you’re simply wrong.
4. Find a writing partner & be it simple
Having your post proofread by another person is really important. The perspective of a writing partner is crucial to make your post work for larger audiences. If your post is too difficult to understand or its structure is unclear, your writing buddy will let you know. Use simple language to clearly communicate your idea. You’re writing for the web, so avoid unnecessary embellishments. Instead, be illustrative and write to the point. When choosing your wording, don’t go for advanced or archaic terms nobody understands – you won’t inspire anyone to keep reading if they need a dictionary handy.
5. Cut the josh.
Good writing is simple, clear and direct. You don't get points for saying in 50 words what could be said in 20, or for using multi-syllable words when a short one does just as well. Good writing is about using the right words, not filling up the page. It might feel good at first to pack a lot of ideas and details into a single sentence, but chances are that sentence is just going to be hard to read. If a phrase doesn't add anything valuable, just cut it
6. Check your own writing
Sometimes it’s a good idea to take a trip down the memory lane and review your past writing. Seeing the way in which you structured your first post will help you to realize how you’ve progressed and developed your skills. Don’t shy away from admitting your development. Acknowledge your achievement and congratulate yourself on all the hard work done to get where you are right now as a writer.
Perhaps you have dreams of becoming the next Great Novelist. Or maybe you just want to be able to better express your thoughts and ideas more clearly. Whether you want to improve your writing skills as a creative writer or simply perfect your skills for schoolwork, you can take some steps to learn how to be a better writer. Becoming a great writer or even a good writer takes practice and knowledge, but with enough hard work perhaps someday somebody will aspire to be the next you
1. Get your basics
This is the first step every writer should take to improve their skills. If you want to excel at writing, you’ll need to have a firm grasp on grammar, spelling and syntax. Always write with your spell-check on to avoid typos and don’t hesitate to use a thesaurus tool for enriching your wording. Always proofread your post before publishing it. Only then will you be able to spot grammar mistakes like mixed tenses. Using present and past or future tense in one paragraph might seem like a good idea, but readers might find it confusing.
2. Use strong words.
Good writing, whether it’s in a novel or a scholarly essay, is precise, evocative and spiced with the unexpected. Finding the right verb or adjective can turn an uninspired sentence into one people will remember and quote for years to come. Look for words that are as specific as possible. Try not to repeat the same word over and over unless you are trying to build a rhythm with it. Practice makes perfect, but in order to gain an insight into what good writing is supposed to look like, make sure to follow blogs that offer top-notch content. Reading on a regular basis is the first step to developing writing skills. Don’t be afraid to imitate those who you consider masters of the craft.
3. Join training or writing cluster
This is probably the best idea for writers who want to polish their skills. If you think a writing workshop is like therapy, where people read excerpts of their journals and basically bare their souls to the world, you’re simply wrong.
4. Find a writing partner & be it simple
Having your post proofread by another person is really important. The perspective of a writing partner is crucial to make your post work for larger audiences. If your post is too difficult to understand or its structure is unclear, your writing buddy will let you know. Use simple language to clearly communicate your idea. You’re writing for the web, so avoid unnecessary embellishments. Instead, be illustrative and write to the point. When choosing your wording, don’t go for advanced or archaic terms nobody understands – you won’t inspire anyone to keep reading if they need a dictionary handy.
5. Cut the josh.
Good writing is simple, clear and direct. You don't get points for saying in 50 words what could be said in 20, or for using multi-syllable words when a short one does just as well. Good writing is about using the right words, not filling up the page. It might feel good at first to pack a lot of ideas and details into a single sentence, but chances are that sentence is just going to be hard to read. If a phrase doesn't add anything valuable, just cut it
6. Check your own writing
Sometimes it’s a good idea to take a trip down the memory lane and review your past writing. Seeing the way in which you structured your first post will help you to realize how you’ve progressed and developed your skills. Don’t shy away from admitting your development. Acknowledge your achievement and congratulate yourself on all the hard work done to get where you are right now as a writer.
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