These tips are my own tried and tested methods for becoming a better writer. Although my blog is mainly about copywriting, these tips apply equally to...
These tips are my own tried and tested methods for becoming a better writer. Although my blog is mainly about copywriting,
these tips apply equally to all writers in all media.
#7 - Are you fit to write?
I'm starting my series of 7 writing tips with something a little unconventional. You might not find this in writing manuals but it works for me, so it may work for you.
If writing feels like hard work, it may be because your body is struggling as much as your mind.
The secret to unlocking your creative energies may be exercise. As vigorous exercise resets your stress levels, wiping away the shadow of previous stresses, you will be clearing the space in your brain, ready for writing!
So if you don't exercise regularly and find writing a real struggle, consider improving your fitness - it may improve your writing.
#6 - Make time for writing
A creative writing tutor once told me that the only difference between myself and Steven King was that Steven King had sat down, many times, and written.
Steven King had written a lot. I had written a little.
You can't be a good writer if you don't write.
So get started.
Many "writers" are people who call themselves writers without ever actually writing. These "writers" are always waiting for a good time to get started on the great idea they had five years ago.
These "writers" aren't writers at all.
Busy lives make it hard to find the time to write, but it's never impossible. If you currently wake at 7 to get ready for work, consider getting up at 6. Immediately you have an hour to write! Do you have a lunch break? If yes, why aren't you writing in it?
I know life isn't always as simple as I've made out, but with some creative thinking you should be able to make a few hours in your busy week to write.
#5 - Feed your imagination
Your imagination will not feed itself.
If you want to write, you'll need ideas to fuel your writing. If you fill your brain with lots of interesting stuff, interesting stuff will come spilling out.
Consider your inputs as imagination fuel. What kind of things are you exposed to? Do you have a life filled with routine? If you've had the same job for a long time, take the same route to work, have the same old friends, re-read favourite books, only read a static selection of magazines and only ever watch the same shows on TV, you're not giving yourself much chance of having a great idea.
Expand your circle of influences. Change things in your life. Do something you don't normally do. Accept an invitation that you wouldn't normally. Be adventurous. Watch a film that doesn't naturally appeal to you.
New experiences, outside of your usual range, can trigger new thoughts. The more you put into your brain, the more you can expect to get out.
#4 - Understand grammar
Grammar and spelling are a writer's tools. Just as a plumber must understand and own a set of tools, writers must have a good grasp of grammar.
If grammar troubles you, I recommend reading Strunk and White's Elements of Style. It's a classic (and very short) book on using English well.
Once you get writing, ask another writer to read your work. Ask for feedback on your style as well as your content.
Practice writing and your grammar will soon improve.
#3 - Ask for feedback
It can be hard to hand over your writing to someone. New writers often get very shy about their work, and nervous of what people will think.
But it's important to get started with the process of finding readers.
Your first readers may be family, then friends, or anyone who will take the time. But whoever these readers are, they will provide an invaluable service.
Any advice, whether from a professional writer or an occasional reader, is useful. It will also get you used to the apprehension of waiting to hear what people think of your writing.
Criticism is hard to take, but it gets easier. Especially when it's intelligent, constructive criticism that helps you progress.
#2 - Read more
Writers don't have to read every classic. You can read anything, but you must read something.
If you don't read you will never understand how writing works, or how it can fail.
Be adventurous with your reading. Avoid re-reading the same few books.
Reading a variety of styles and sources will strengthen your writing, improve your vocabulary and fill you with ideas.
#1 - Write more
Just write. Write emails, blog posts, articles or letters. Everything you write makes you better at writing.
This isn't Earth-shattering advice, but it's important enough that I made it my #1 writing tip.
Show me a bad writer and I'll show you someone who doesn't write much. It's as simple as that.
Copywriters are lucky in that they get plenty of practice and the chance to hone their writing skills. If you're not so lucky, make the most of writing opportunities in your daily life.
