Everyone who writes, no matter their experience or skill, can always improve upon their writing. Though this may seem too big a task, there are many ways in which one can become a better writer, little by little.
The the easiest way to grow as a writer is simple: just write every day. It doesn’t matter if you write one hundred or one thousand words, putting anything on the page will help! If writing a piece of fiction is too hard or daunting, writing in a journal will work just as well. And don’t forget about nonfiction—though often overlooked, writing creative nonfiction is good for learning how to express ideas clearly using support and strong words. Though filled with benefits, writing every day is a goal that can be hard to achieve. To help keep on track, set aside a half an hour (or more!) at a consistent time every day to just write. Also, make sure you write in a location that works well for you, whether it be the couch or the office.
Another great way to build writing skills is to pay attention to your surroundings. If you’re looking for inspiration, it can strike at any time, so be alert. Paying close attention to people around you can help with writing, too. Listening to how people talk, watching how they move, and seeing how they interact with each other can help with writing characters immensely.
For writers, reading is just as important as writing. Reading is vital to understanding style and grammar, so read often and read everything. Knowing what makes bad writing bad is as necessary for writers as knowing what makes great writing great. Read for enjoyment, but also try analyzing writing to learn how to write more effectively.
And of course, along with writing comes editing. Though editing is vital after a piece is finished, do not edit while you write. This can be hard, but you’ll never get into your writing if you start and stop constantly to fix mistakes. Keep writing until you’ve finished, and then go back and edit your work. When you’re in the right place for it, editing really is a huge part of the writing process that cannot be skipped. It can help you to see your mistakes and what you can do better in the future. If you have a hard time editing, just read your work out loud to yourself to find errors easily. However, keep in mind that computers can’t catch every mistake. Grammar questions can be answered easily online, so if you’re not sure of the difference between “to” or “too,” look it up! It will be very helpful in the future as you begin to accumulate knowledge of little grammar rules and quirks.
Finally, remember that even though you won’t always be in the “mood” to write, write anyway, and write often!
