Most authors do not begin as excellent writers. It’s a life-long process. Here are some tips to help you improve:
Writing takes practice. To get in the habit of doing it, follow tips one and two:
- Find your writing space. Have a comfortable space without distractions that’s conducive to writing.
- Create a writing ritual. Set aside a specific time each day or week that is used only for writing.
Learn from others. Tips 3 through 6 can help.
- Read works by great writers. Look for books by award-winning authors – preferably those who have won prestigious literary awards. A lot can be learned about character development and plot by doing this.
- Read books on the craft of writing. Elements of Style, Storyworks Guide to Writing Character, and Save the Cat Writes a Novel are some good ones to check out.
- Take a writing course. Writers’ conferences are a good source for these, but there are many free online ones if budget and time are issues.
- Get workshop feedback. Critique groups, of course, help. It’s even better to get professional opinions at writers’ workshops.
Here are some technique tips:
- Describe and be clear. The clearer the writing, the easier it is for the reader to become a sensory participant in the story.
- Leave adverbs out. A few are okay, but for the most part, they’re not needed.
- Learn to be conversational. Make sure dialog sounds as it would in conversation.
- Revise: The all-important step for ensuring that a manuscript is the best it can be.
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