Week of Jan 27, 2012 - 10 Things Writers Can Do to Improve Their Writing

By Joan Whetzel

Writers, especially they are first starting their careers, can use a bit of help improving their writing. Even when we’ve been writing a while, it helps to be reminded of some of these steps, as we tend to become complacent after we’ve been writing for some time. Here are 10 helpful hints for improving your writing.

 

1. Read Fiction and Nonfiction.

When reading other the written works of other authors, whether fiction or nonfiction, notice the descriptive techniques they use. Also notice the similarities between your favorite fiction and nonfiction writers, the techniques they use and how they use words to let the story flow onto the page. Break out of your normal reading habits and go for authors you wouldn’t normally read. Let their writing style inform your style and inspire you to write something different, or more challenging, than might have considered writing. It may not work for you the first time, or ever, but you will learn something from the challenge.

2. Take Writing Classes.

Writing classes are especially helpful in the beginning of one’s writing career, but there will always be classes for the advanced writer as well as classes for techniques, genres, and writing styles that one has never tried before. Attend a class at a community college or university, or check out the offerings at the local community center, or investigate writing courses online.

3. Join Writing Groups.

Writing groups are great. They offer camaraderie with fellow writers, and commiseration for our bad days. The best ones offer critique sessions where writers share their current work and offer constructive criticism. They can also share ideas and techniques that they’ve picked up along the way.

4. Indulge in Other Creative Outlets.

Other creative outlets feed the writer’s senses. They get the creative juices flowing, invite in the muses to play, and refocuses the writer’s mind in a different direction which may be all that is necessary to unblock the writing process or resolve whatever issues are creating problems in a story. Creative outlets could include:

·         Photography

·         Cooking

·         Drawing or painting

·         Knitting, crocheting, sewing

·         Wood working

·         Music

·         Anything else you may enjoy doing.

5. Write.

There’s an old anecdote that goes like this: “How do you get to Carnegie Hall? Practice. Practice. Practice.” It’s the same with writers. The best way to get into print or to have an online presence is to write, write, write. No, all of your writing will not get published, but even the writing that remains in your files, or desk drawer, unread by anyone, is still valuable. That character may end up in another story or book. That great descriptive paragraph may become the inspiration for something else entirely, something you never imagined when you wrote it. Practice writing stimulates the writing process, gets the juices flowing, invites the muse in to play with you at the keyboard.

6. Do Spell and Grammar Checks.

This is one of those things we all need to be reminded of from time to time. I still let an occasional typo slip by. But remember that even the spell and grammar check on Word for Windows will catch most mistakes, but not all of them. It also may suggest word choices that aren’t the right words; you’ll have to make allowances and choose the word you want even if Word balks. Also, Word automatically defaults to American English. There is a way to change the language, even to British English. So make the adjustment and then use the grammar and spell check as necessary. But use your own common sense on this one too.

7. Edit for Content and Flow.

For this writing aid, it’s best to the writing set for an hour, or even overnight. When you come back to it with a fresh mind and a fresh set of eyes, you can see the errors that need correction. After editing for content and flow, re-read the piece and tweak as necessary until you’ve got it right where you want it.

8. Ask Other Writers for Critiques.

These other writers might be part of a writer’s group or they may simply be writers that you know. Either way, ask someone you trust to give you constructive criticism. This trusted soul will know how to show you some tweaks without offending your sensibilities because they are truly interested in making your writing better.

9. Enter Writing Contests.

This is a great way to get writing practice in, because they offers the challenge of writing in genres and styles you might not otherwise consider. Contests also have a set of parameters that writers must fit their work into. Most contests offer judges’ critiques, which could be helpful in refining your writing skills. There’s also the promise of prizes for the top writers as an incentive for putting your best writing forward.

10. Submit.

Finally, submit those articles to magazines, newspapers and online writing sites. Send in those book manuscripts to book publishers. Those that get returned will usually include a letter giving the reasons for the “rejection.” Rejection is not necessarily a dirty word here. Yeah, it smarts a bit to have a book or story rejected, but using the rejection critique to improve your writing is also helpful in the long run. Besides, you can always submit the book or story elsewhere, either tweaked or as-is. Someone else may the value in the story and run with it.

Have fun with your writing muses!