These Writing Tips Will Change The Way You Write
Every writer needs to master these helpful strategies
Just like any other craft, writing comes with own unique lessons. It is so dynamic that there is always something new to learn each time we make an intentional effort to be better at it.
Since your writing is a representation of who you are, sharpening your skills will bring more visibility to what you do. No matter how good you are, there is always room for new knowledge and growth.
The importance of good writing cannot be overemphasized because it is one of the relevant aspects of written communication.
As a writer, I often spend a lot of time online and offline looking for new ideas and how I can improve my writing. While searching, I stumbled on helpful suggestions and new ideas which I think can benefit many writers.
Here are some of the writing tips that could come in handy for writers:
1. Don’t let bad days stop you from writing
Writing could sometimes be discouraging. Imagine putting so much energy and mental exercise into writing your articles, only to see that you never get the amount of attention or reads that you initially desired.
Many writers expect to achieve great success with their written pieces, but sadly, this isn’t always the case.
When writing, there are good and bad days. Personally, there are days when I just want to take a long break from writing and focus on other things. Sometimes, I just do not feel like writing at all. Lack of motivation and non-commensurate returns have pushed me to almost quit.
The truth is, whether you are having a bad or good day, you remain a writer.
The relationship that most writers have with their craft is like a love-hate relationship; it has its ups and downs.
It’s ok to have bad days. Truly, that’s what makes us human.
“In my view, a writer is a writer because even when there is no hope, even when nothing you do shows any sign of promise, you keep writing anyway.” — Junot Diaz
Here’s what you can do when you are feeling discouraged, overwhelmed or unmotivated to write:
- Take some time off and recharge. Come back when you are fully energized. The pressure may be getting to you.
- Adjust your writing routine; be more creative. Introduce new dynamics.
- Be grateful for your writing journey so far.
- Keep your eyes on the ball and keep strategizing on how things can get better.
- If you have a writing buddy or support system, talk to them about how you are feeling.
2. There is always something new to learn from other writers
No man is an Island. As writers, we can’t exist in isolation.
Learning from others is usually an opportunity for rapid growth. It is very helpful to take a cue from other writers.
It’s good to draw lessons from those writers who have been in the field for a long time. Check out their tools, their techniques and styles. There is always something new to learn. However, this shouldn’t stop you from maintaining your own unique perspective and finding your own voice.
“If you don’t read great writing, you won’t know how to do it.” — Leo Babauta
The truth is, many of the things we know today are what we learnt from others. Even as a writer, there are days when all I do is read. Going through various pieces is one of the surest ways to gain new ideas.
Our writing skills don’t just magically improve overnight. Great writing doesn’t just happen, it comes from daily learning, unlearning and re-learning.
Good writers always have stories to tell and we can learn a lot from their personal experiences and the lessons that come with it.
“While it is wise to learn from experience, it is wiser to learn from the experiences of others.” — Rick Warren
3. Write in public spaces
This doesn’t mean writing in front of people or allowing people watch you while you write. It simply means joining social media spaces and writing platforms like popular websites and blogs. Forums like medium, quora and reddit are great public spaces to write.
Writing publicly is important because it helps you steadily build an audience.
When you write, post it where a greater crowd can see it. Sometimes, I post my written articles to linkedin and twitter because I believe it would be accessible to more people on those sites.
Public writing engages the public and exposes writers to newer perspectives while interacting with readers. It also places more pressure on writers to write as clearly as possible while sharpening their skills.
“Writing is a socially acceptable form of getting naked in public.” — Paulo Coelho
Asides interaction, writing publicly is also a way of marketing your skills. You never know who’s watching. It helps you steadily build a profile for yourself.
4. Give yourself permission to write garbage
C J Cherryh once said “ It is perfectly ok to write garbage as long as you edit brilliantly.”
When writing, you don’t have to love your first draft. Many people start writing, then they periodically edit till they are satisfied with the final output.
No one creates flawless first drafts.
A first draft can be compared to a rough gem that is gradually polished till it begins to sparkle and shine. This is what the process of editing does to any piece of writing; it makes it better.
Rough drafts are absolutely helpful because they lead to the greater part of any decent story.
Do not let the imperfect state of a first draft prevent you from finishing it. It’s called a first draft because it’s the start.
“If you want to feel better about your imperfect draft, then acknowledge that it is incomplete and know you will shape and polish it.” — Bryan Hutchinson
When writing, don’t overthink it. Stive to get down the first word, then everything else follows.
The goal isn’t just to write, but to write something worth editing. Write messy and imperfectly, but write with purpose.
Indeed, writing is a combination of many things. It gets better with time, experience and knowledge. No writer can be too perfect, but there is always enough room for growth for anyone who is willing to embrace it.