I truly believe you have a knack for writing or you don’t. It is like anything else that is creative in my mind. You either have the talent if for something or not because let’s face it we have all come across people who just can’t write, or are bad writers or just don’t want to be a writer. That is OK. We all have a creative outlet and not everyone is meant to share their stories in the written word, maybe you paint, or draw, or take photographs, or make videos or make podcasts.
I digress.
Back to the writing part of this post…. I think everyone you calls them self a writer or strives to be a writer can always be better. Any craft takes work and practice.
Here are just some ways you can be a great writer.
1. READ
It is so important to read in order to better yourself. You have to experience other peoples writing to see where you fit and what you like and what works and doesn’t work. The other thing reading does is keep your mind sharp and help you expand your language and knowledge base. (OK, it kinda makes you smarter!)
2. WRITE
I know this might seem a bit silly to say that to be a great/better writer you need to write, but it is TRUE. You need to write even when you don’t want to or when the words are not flowing. You need to practice. Sometimes the best stuff comes when you are not really thinking about it and you just start to write or type the words. Don’t edit it yourself just write. A great way to do this is do timed writing exercises. Set a stop watch for 15 minutes and just see how many words you can write in that time. You might surprise yourself, not only because you actually wrote a lot, but it wasn’t complete crappy either!
3. Get TWO Notebooks
This one is really an extension of number 2 in a way but more focused. Get yourself two notebooks and a pen (old school I know, but sometimes I find the best material comes when I am kicking it old school). One book is a word notebook and the other is an inspiration notebook. The first one is for all those great new words you come across while you are reading or just experiencing the world. Make sure you including their meaning and maybe use the word in a sentence too! I know it might seem like a lot of work, but it will pay off in the end. In your inspiration book write down all the fun stuff, the interesting tidbits you come across in your day, like jokes, silly things, great conversations, brilliant ideas. These two books will be a great source of material when you need new stuff for your writing. This tip doesn’t just work for creative writing but can also work for blogging on products/services. These books will be your go-to source or guide for all things writing. These are you idea books.
4. Journal
This can really help you get out of your own head. It will also help you to just write. A journal or diary takes some of the pressure of your writing because no one is reading it but you. This writing is all about you and for you, but it will have an impact on the writing you do for others.
5. Get Rid of That
The word THAT is a word that shows up in a lot of sentences and a lot of times the word that just isn’t necessary. So after you have written your masterpiece take a look at it again with the word THAT in mind and see how many times you can take it out of a sentence while still making the sentence make sense. Does THAT make sense? Removing the word THAT from a sentence when it is not necessary immediately makes that same sentence tighter, makes it flow better and just helps you be more concise with your writing.
6. Cliches, Jargon, and Buzzwords
Try not to use them too often. Over use of cliches, jargon and buzzwords can make your writing difficult to read and wordy. Use a critical eye and try to find a more creative and concise way of saying what you are trying to say
One day I would love to be considered a GREAT writer but for now I strive to be a better writer than I was yesterday. It is all about working on my craft and always being open to new ideas, new ways of doing a thing and always learning.
Happy Writing!
