Everyone has that novel inside them just waiting to be written. However actually managing to write it is a much more difficult process. Whether you write novels, shorts stories, flash fiction, poems, or comics these 5 helpful writing tips can help you improve your craft so that you can get it to the standard you want. You’re guaranteed to find at least one writing tip useful to you.
Nail the Basics
A simple writing tip that will improve your writing significantly is to maker sure you are using the correct grammar, punctuation, and spelling. These may seem like little mistakes but if you make too many of them they can detract from your work and give the impression that your writing is not as good as it is. It’s also good to get into the habit of using correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation as it makes you seem more professional.
Write, Write, Write
The best way to get better at anything is to practise. The same, therefore, is true of writing. One of the most important tips for writers is to write regularly. If you can, write every day. This isn’t to say you have to force yourself to write for the same amount of time each time, but you want to build up a habit. Those first few writing sessions might seem like torture but if you keep going it will become easier and easier.
Join a Workshop
My next writing tip is to join a writing group or workshop. By joining a workshop you can share your work with other people to get feedback. They might notice things you missed and provide new perspectives for you to consider. It also means you have a commitment in your calendar that you have to show up for, which can be a great way to motivate yourself. Whether your group meets up once a week, every two weeks, monthly, or every six months all of it is useful. If you don’t know of any writing groups near you then start your own! You’re sure to find people as passionate as you are around.
Imitate Those You Admire
This writing tip might seem a little strange at first, after all plagiarism is one of the worst things you can do as a writer, but that is not what this is. Everyone has their favourite authors, the idea behind this tip is to dissect your favourite writers to discover what it is you like about them. Do you like the imagery they use? The strength of their characters’ voices? The way they use perspective? Whatever it is take it and apply it to your own work. See if you can imitate those techniques so you can move towards creating a style unique to you.
Accept that First Attempts are Rubbish
It is really hard for aspiring authors and new writers to accept that their first drafts haven’t quite lived up to their expectations, but that is the reality. Even I still have a hard time following this writing tip sometimes. First drafts are never going to be perfect, what they’re there for is to get the ball rolling so you have all your ideas down. It’s only once you’ve completed the first draft that you can start refining your stories into something that you’re really proud of.
Writing is a great way to express yourself and your creativity. It is a tool with which to tell your stories the way you want them to be told, and these writing tips can help give your writing the pop it needs.
