There really isn’t anything more satisfying than sharing your feelings, and realising these thoughts have made an impact on others. Writing allows us to express ourselves and connect with people in ways that no other medium can. Words can give comfort, bruise ego’s and either inspire or shatter dreams in an instant. They’re incredibly powerful and should be handled with care – or wrapped in spongy bubble wrap. Those who enjoy writing often have a natural flair for it, however it isn’t all down to innate talent. There are things you can do to improve your skills, whether you write professionally or just for fun, following these simple steps can transform your Dickensian ambitions into a reality.
Jump in feet first.
If you are writing about a particular subject it’s understandable that you will need to do your research first, but when it comes to putting your thoughts into words there can be a temptation to get everything perfect right from the very start. The end result can lead to procrastination and the horrifically annoying writers block. It’s always better to get going immediately. It really doesn’t matter if you make mistakes, or write horribly, as long as you get started. You can always re-write any crazed ramblings later on. The important thing is to write.
Scribbling or typing nonsense can also be very cathartic and it takes away the intimidation of a blank page. There can be a strange trepidation about committing to an idea and writing it down, and the only way to remove this is by taking the plunge (another good writing tip is to avoid clichés such as “taking the plunge”).
Read as much as you can.
Absorbing all kinds of influence and culture, from TV to modern art, is important when you want a myriad of ideas, references and inspiration to draw from. But as a writer reading the work of others is probably the most valuable thing you can do in your spare time. When you like something, ask yourself why you like it? If you hate it, take a moment to consider the style and why you find it so irritating.
My English teacher often said that you read something the first time to enjoy it, the second time to analyse it. Which seemed terribly unfair to a fourteen year old forced to re-read whatever was deemed necessary for the enhancement of young minds, but makes quite a lot of sense now. Of course there’s always going to be something slightly magical about what makes a great piece of writing, but by looking closely you can pick out the aspects that are more definable, and learn from them.
Minimise distractions.
Information is addictive, and we now have access to all of it, all of the time. As I type I have three different screens within a foot of me (and one more at the other end of the room) and they all have hidden within them enough entertainment to keep me distracted for years. Jane Austen did not have this problem, and I suspect Pride and Prejudice may have only been about 4 pages long if she did.
What’s more, you can’t simply throw out all these devices and unsubscribe from your internet provider. You need to research, to connect to other writers, to read others work, which is a whole lot easier now we carry the worlds’ biggest library/social club in our pockets. This unfortunately means that the key is self-control.
One tip is once you have all the information you need to write whatever it is you have planned, turn the Wi-Fi off on your laptop (and tablet, and phone), step away from those typing games. Of course it only takes a second to reinstate it but the barrier is a psychological one. If there’s one more step involved in flitting between what you are writing and following the latest argument on twitter, you’ll find it easier to resist and concentration comes more naturally.
Meditate.
Writers are often associated with romantic bad habits, supporting overflowing ash trays and Dylan Thomas-esque drinking, but it’s very doubtful that these things do anything to help the “writing” bit of being a writer (and they are pretty unhealthy, of course). A habit that might actually improve your work is meditation.
Meditation can help in many ways, from increasing brain function to improving your ability to focus. Twenty minutes of meditation a day can significantly reduce the amount of stress hormones in your system, which in turn makes you calmer and clearer thinker. Clarity and focus are essential in a writer, and it’s hard to write when you’re very stressed.
Lack of self-esteem can also hold a writer back significantly; either by making them agonise over every sentence, or disinclined to share their work. By allowing yourself to unwind and let go of negative emotions, meditation can relieve some of this self-consciousness and worry. It also places you in a positive frame of mind and has been shown to increase productivity. By making you happier, more able to concentrate and decluttering your thoughts, meditation can have a great impact on your work.
Seek feedback.
As much as it would be lovely to be say “I am brilliant” and have everyone nod in agreement, it’s important to illicit honest feedback from others. Those in the blogging community do find this easier, as people make a point of reading and commenting on each other’s posts. This is a great source of advice and it also provides lots of encouragement and support because a blogger who tears down the work of others, is not going to be popular for long.
However, when everyone is (quite rightly) full of enthusiasm and encouragement for those who want to write, they may gloss over some faults. This isn’t a problem in itself, but when you need a little more direction, finding a friend or two with keen eyes and a gift for truly constructive criticism is really helpful. Over time, their revisions and suggestions will improve your work. However, as Margaret Atwood observed, “This friend should not be someone with whom you have a romantic relationship, unless you want to break up”.
Improving as a writer is something that takes practise, enthusiasm and dedication. By building on your talent and drive with a determination to improve, you can become the bestest writerer you can possibly be.
Author Bio: Holly Ashby is a writer who also works for Will Williams Meditation, providing meditation classes in London.
i am trying very hard to become a good writer. Hope you five ways for becoming a good writer will help me. Thank you!
iv thought about becoming a blogger some good tips thanks