Sharpening your writing skills can open up a world of opportunities for growth and success.
Getting down the story you've been burning to write? Finishing that manuscript you've laboured over for years? It's all possible with the right commitment and support.
Here are our top tips on how to become a better writer.
Read widely and often
First be an avid reader. Most writers don't need any encouragement to read, but this one is non-negotiable. Exposing yourself to various genres and styles expands your vocabulary, enhances your grammar and gives you a deeper understanding of storytelling techniques.
Read a diverse range of books, articles and any other written materials you can get your hands on. Immersing yourself in different writing genres and styles is like building your inner writing muscle and, eventually, your original writing voice.
Writing tip!
There are dozens of brilliant books on the craft of writing, most written by successful authors. Two of our favourites include On Writing by Steven King and Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott.
Create a regular writing practice
Another vital element of becoming a better writer is writing regularly. Just like any skill, writing requires consistent practice. Set aside time each day or week to write, even if it's just for a few minutes. Some of your favourite authors wrote their books on the fringes of daily life, a half-hour captured before breakfast or on a lunch break, and so can you.
In the early days you might need help finding the right words or constructing coherent sentences, but don't let this discourage you. Allowing yourself to write badly is part of the process – embrace it and keep pushing forward. With time, you'll notice vast improvements in your writing abilities.
Improve your grammar
A strong vocabulary will enrich your writing and make your pieces more engaging. Utilise resources such as dictionaries, thesauruses and online grammar checkers to expand your range of words and expressions. (We love the Hemmingway app and Grammarly).
Writing tip!
Using complicated words and repeating the same words can hinder rather than enhance your writing skills and make reading arduous for your eventual audience. Strive for clarity and simplicity.
Use writing guides and templates
Writing guides are invaluable when you are trying to write a novel or story, as they provide a starting point and framework for organising all those ideas floating around in your head, and getting them on the page. (That's why we are so passionate about the ones we produce!).
Writing guides break down your novel into a structure you can work with in a short amount of time, using a step-by-step process designed by seasoned writers. They also provide expert guidance on the things that matter: story, plot, character development, dialogue, narrative styles and point of view, writing techniques, editing your work, getting feedback, and eventually pitching your manuscript.
Writing tip!
Writing prompts are a brilliant way to generate new ideas and get your creative wheels spinning. Whether you are a seasoned writer or just starting, use writing prompts to kickstart your imagination and to free yourself from the pressure of what you think you should be writing.
Learn to edit your work
Learn to edit, polish and expand upon your writing. While it may be tempting to consider your first draft as the final product, the editing process is essential. Most books you see on the shelf at your local bookstore have been written up to a dozen times. Review your work, ensuring it's well-structured, coherent, and free from grammatical errors or typos.
Writing tip!
- Take a break: Before you start editing, give yourself some time away from your writing. This will help you return with fresh eyes and a clearer perspective.
- Print your work and have a selection of coloured highlighters ready. Then, create a system using different colours to mark up things like spelling and grammar errors, repetitive words and larger issues with plot, structure, dialogue and character arcs.
- Read your work aloud: Reading your work out loud can help you catch errors, awkward phrasing or inconsistencies.
- Use online writing tools: Writing aids like Grammarly or Hemingway are an excellent way to tighten your prose.
- Engage the services of a professional editor to critique your work.
Once you are ready to pitch to agents and publishers, you want to be sure you've done everything possible to make your work shine.
Join a writing community
Connecting with other writers can give you valuable feedback, support and encouragement to help you grow. Joining a writing community also provides opportunities to participate in workshops and networking events that can further enhance your writing. In our experience, book people are the best people, and thousands of us are out there! So, joining a writing community will be one of the best things you will ever do.
The most important thing to remember is that becoming a better writer is possible and likely if you maintain the right mindset, commitment and some good old bum glue!
Embrace the challenge, practice consistently and never stop striving for improvement. As you refine your skills, we promise you will notice significant progress in your ability to captivate readers with your words.
Enter writing competitions
Writing competitions provide a platform for recognition and exposure, potentially leading to publication or networking opportunities. In addition to helping you meet deadlines, writing competitions often have well-known authors as judges, who are sometimes willing to provide valuable feedback and validation. Moreover, any wins or finals placings will look great on your author bio when you go to pitch your book.
Happy writing.