So, you want to be a writer? Ever since reading your first story, you’ve been dreaming of being able to put your emotions and the world of your imagination into words. Or, maybe you just started a blog to express your opinion on all things worldly. Unfortunately for you, even though you have that wish, you may not have what it takes in terms of technical skills. Well, becoming a writer can be achieved through learning and practice. Like any other skill, writing skills can be taught and strengthened over time. Having said that, here are some suggestions on how you can develop your writing skills.
1. Read a lot
A writer is also a reader. If you want to be able to write, you will have to read. Read like your life depends on it. Working through various genres and styles, for example poetry or novels, Shakespeare or Tolkien, provides insights into how writing different techniques can be used. Moreover, this process will allow you to know how to express yourself and create new worlds and characters. The more you read, the easier it will be for you to develop your own style. Also, you will see what makes a great book, how to create a flow and a compelling piece of fiction.
2. Attend a writing class
If you are a beginner, this is where you could start off. Have someone guide you through the whole process and help you build your writing skill. Plus, as you complete tasks, you will get useful feedback on what’s right and wrong with your writing from the teacher. Your classmates could help you out, as well. Reading your work out loud, in front of an audience, will help you build your confidence as a writer.
3. Brush up on the basics
In order to write, you need to have good vocabulary and grammar. These are just the basics you must master as a writer. Being able to select the right word, an appropriate synonym, or to effectively use complex sentence structure; these things can help make you noticeable as a writer. For instance, you can buy a good thesaurus or use an online source to help you build a considerable vocabulary.
Other than that, you need to be familiar with various creative writing techniques. So, find a few books on that, too. Learn about topics such as how to write a novel, how to evolve characters and how to write the perfect poem. All of this will be an important part of your education process.
4. Imitate other writers
One of the best ways to practice writing is to, well, copy other writers. Of course, you shouldn’t use their exact sentences in your own work. Imitation, here, implies taking any book and starting to copy those exact sentences onto a piece of paper. This will help you understand how that writer created their story. Ask yourself questions such as: What kind of style do they have? How are the sentences constructed? Even better, this will assist you in growing your own knowledge. As you copy, you will become influenced, and as time goes by, you will be able to explore in further detail and insight a sentence from Sylvia Plath, for example.
5. Edit your work
Once you finish a story or a chapter, or even a whole book, you should sit down and go through it once more. You should focus on finding errors. As you go along, edit anything you think is wrong. Maybe you misused a word, a comma, made a spelling mistake – anything from grammar to style should be edited. But, as mentioned before, edit when you are done with writing. If you do it on the fly, not only will you waste time, but you risk losing the whole idea and the essence of the story. And when you finish editing once, go through it again. Proofread your work several times before submitting the final copy.
6. Find the right place for writing
Other than your mood, inspiration or idea, one more thing can affect the way you write. That thing is the place where your writing occurs. It can be your garage, study, bedroom, kitchen or even a public place like a café. The choice depends solely on you. Maybe you like to be alone, in a quiet place like your study, or perhaps you prefer the hustle and bustle of a coffee shop. It all comes down to how comfortable and inspired you feel at that location. And, once you find the right one, stick to it.
7. Research
Do your research before writing anything down. If you are writing a news story or a piece filled with historic elements, do your research on the specified topic. Being too free with the facts, or coming up with your own is wrong and it can lead to a serious backlash. Not only will you be seen as a fool, but you will spread lies, too. The important things is to not make a foolish mistake and look like an amateur.
Hopefully, some of these tips will help you improve and be the writer you always wanted to be. And, if you are already a seasoned writer, but you are going through writer’s block, these tips could be helpful for you, as well.
