The Secret to Getting Better at Writing

Everyone said reading and writing are a great start

?

And it is true!

?

But they are not the only things that will get you there.

?

You need to bring in some outside help, too.

?

I mean, think about it, there are so many amazing resources out there to help us improve.

?

Why stop on just reading and writing when there are other writers and readers out there?

?

Why not take advantage of them?

?

No matter how true we feel it is, reading and writing alone is not enough. You need to be intentional about learning and growing.

?

Your overall goal is great, but you will have the following problems:

?

1. You won't be able to track your progress effectively.

2. Your progress will be slow and uneven.

3. You will struggle to take control of your own development.

?

It is like trying to write a novel by jumping around between chapters, writing a sentence here and there.

?

It is just not gonna work.

?

You will get frustrated, you will feel like you are not making progress, and you will struggle to take control of your own writing.

?

So, instead of just saying "I want to get better at writing," try to be more specific.

?

Identify what you want to improve.

?

Is it your storytelling? Your dialogue? Your pacing?

?

Whatever it is, focus on that.

?

Be deliberate in your approach, and you will be amazed at how much faster you will improve.

?

?

How do you actually focus on improving your writing?

?

First you need to figure out what you want to work on.

?

And I don't just mean your weaknesses - you might want to take a skill you are already good at and make it even better.

?

Then, instead of just reading and writing (which, again, is a very generic concept), boil your improvement efforts into a simple task.

?

Writing involves a wide range of techniques, skills, and knowledge bases to explore

?

- Do you want to write faster?

- Expand your vocabulary?

- Polish your grammar?

- Refine your voice, structure, plot, characters, descriptions, metaphors, revising, rewriting, or editing skills?

- Maybe you are looking to enhance your subtext, dialogue, action scenes, or blocking?

?

Choose one or two areas to focus on. . . .

?

For example:

?

If you want to write more descriptive scenes, read books that are known for their vivid descriptions.

Analyse how the author does it. Try to incorporate those techniques into your own writing.

If you want to write faster, try setting a timer and challenging yourself to write a pre set number of words in 10 minutes.

?

This is the difference between being a reader, and being an ACTIVE reader.

?

The point is, you can not just say "I want to get better" and expect it to happen.

?

You need to be intentional about it.

?

You need to focus on specific skills and techniques, and then practice them until they become second nature.

?

That is how you actually improve your writing.

?

?

8 Pro Tips for Writers:

?

1. Keep your sentences concise - 20-25 words max.

2. Break it up into short paragraphs, 2-4 sentences each.

3. Start with the basics: nouns and verbs first, then add the extras.

4. Add in adjectives only when required.

5. Add in adverbs only when absolutely required.

6. Write the thing to completeness or near-completeness first, and then revise.

?

Tips #7 and #8 will be in the comment section.

?

?

So there you have it!

?

If you want to get better at writing, do not just go through the motions.

?

You need to put in the effort, and I mean really “put in the effort”.

?

It is not just about reading, writing, and talking about writing.

?

It is about doing those things with a purpose.

?

You need:

?

- To push yourself to be better, to learn more, to try new things.

?

- To care about every word, every sentence, every paragraph.

?

- To be the kind of writer who can not bear the thought of missing a single detail, a single opportunity to improve.

?

When you invest these 3 steps in your craft, that is when you will start to see real progress.

?

You will be able to look back and say, "Wow, I have really come a long way."

?

And eventually, you will be able to take control of your own improvement, to direct it, and to shape it.

?

That is when you will know you are a real writer.

?

?

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

?

Do you want to improve in writing your content for your business?

I am here to lend a hand! Just send me a DM.

?

Was this post useful for you?

Why not share this article with your family and friends.?

I would love to read your ideas, please share your thoughts and opinions in the comment section?below.

Our next article will be out soon, I look forward to seeing?you?then!

?

#LeadingEdgeWebServices #LeadingEdgeCopywriting

?