1. Establish a writing practice
This one seems simultaneously to be very commonsense and the most difficult step to becoming a better writer. An established writing practice requires hard work and dedication, because it means writing on a regular basis, not just when when your muse is cooperating. Some people establish a practice of writing daily for a certain amount of time, pages, or words; others establish a weekly writing practice with the same goals. Whether daily or weekly, it is important to set aside a time for writing and stick to it if you truly wish to grow in your writing abilities.
2. Silence your inner critic
Your inner critic becomes a great resource during the editing process, but can hinder you when it comes to creating new material, such as your rough draft. Finding a way to silence the voice in your head that tells you your writing is terrible, that you need to go back and make your last scene perfect before moving on, or that you should just give up and scrap the entire project is the only way you'll be able to keep moving forward and improving.
3. Make sure to recharge
Recharging means different things for different people. For extroverts, step away from the desk and go interact with real people; for introverts, find another quiet activity to distract you from your writing for a short time, such as going for a hike or indulging in your favorite show. Spend time with your family and friends, develop new interests, and get in some physical activity, as it's good for the brain, not just the body.
4. Read for inspiration
I have yet to meet a writer who didn't enjoy reading, but I have met many writers who don't take the time to read. I've been guilty of this myself as well, but if you take the time to read, even if that time feels like an indulgence that you can ill-afford, you'll often find yourself inspired. Sometimes, the story itself is inspiring. Sometimes, the writing style or tone can inspire you. Read poetry to get in touch with figurative language, read novels currently popular in your genre to see what readers want. Read popular novels outside of your genre to see what other markets are out there and what appeals to those readers. Read classics to find out what has worked for centuries. And if you end up reading a book that you don't like, analyze it to figure out why you don't like it and how you can avoid those same mistakes in your own writing.
5. Create a support network
A support network might be an extensive online writing group, a workshop or critique buddy, or just a supportive friend or partner. Having at least one person in your corner that you can turn to when you're discouraged can be the difference between success or failure. If you're nervous about talking to someone you know in the "real world" about your writing, find someone online. There are fantastic online communities of all shapes, sizes, formats, and purposes that can provide support and encouragement. A quick Google search or a jaunt through Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram can help you connect with like-minded individuals online.
This one seems simultaneously to be very commonsense and the most difficult step to becoming a better writer. An established writing practice requires hard work and dedication, because it means writing on a regular basis, not just when when your muse is cooperating. Some people establish a practice of writing daily for a certain amount of time, pages, or words; others establish a weekly writing practice with the same goals. Whether daily or weekly, it is important to set aside a time for writing and stick to it if you truly wish to grow in your writing abilities.
2. Silence your inner critic
Your inner critic becomes a great resource during the editing process, but can hinder you when it comes to creating new material, such as your rough draft. Finding a way to silence the voice in your head that tells you your writing is terrible, that you need to go back and make your last scene perfect before moving on, or that you should just give up and scrap the entire project is the only way you'll be able to keep moving forward and improving.
3. Make sure to recharge
Recharging means different things for different people. For extroverts, step away from the desk and go interact with real people; for introverts, find another quiet activity to distract you from your writing for a short time, such as going for a hike or indulging in your favorite show. Spend time with your family and friends, develop new interests, and get in some physical activity, as it's good for the brain, not just the body.
4. Read for inspiration
I have yet to meet a writer who didn't enjoy reading, but I have met many writers who don't take the time to read. I've been guilty of this myself as well, but if you take the time to read, even if that time feels like an indulgence that you can ill-afford, you'll often find yourself inspired. Sometimes, the story itself is inspiring. Sometimes, the writing style or tone can inspire you. Read poetry to get in touch with figurative language, read novels currently popular in your genre to see what readers want. Read popular novels outside of your genre to see what other markets are out there and what appeals to those readers. Read classics to find out what has worked for centuries. And if you end up reading a book that you don't like, analyze it to figure out why you don't like it and how you can avoid those same mistakes in your own writing.
5. Create a support network
A support network might be an extensive online writing group, a workshop or critique buddy, or just a supportive friend or partner. Having at least one person in your corner that you can turn to when you're discouraged can be the difference between success or failure. If you're nervous about talking to someone you know in the "real world" about your writing, find someone online. There are fantastic online communities of all shapes, sizes, formats, and purposes that can provide support and encouragement. A quick Google search or a jaunt through Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram can help you connect with like-minded individuals online.
Have additional tips for improving your writing? Include them in the comments below.
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