The Best Places To Learn About Writing

When it comes to writing, there is always room to improve. Even the most seasoned writers will agree that there is still so much to learn. Getting better at writing is all about being open to learning opportunities, never resting on your laurels and continually experimenting and finding new ways to create better, more intelligent, more exciting pieces of writing each time you start a new project.

But how can you learn about writing? Where are the best places to find information, and the most effective ways to get better?

Here are some of the places you can try.

Writing groups

Joining a writing group is a great way to keep you motivated. By being part of a group, you have an instant support system. You can test your ideas out on a ready-made group who will honestly critique your work. You can discuss any problems you are having or hurdles you need to get over, and can learn from writers who have more years in the game, have had unique experiences of the writing industry or have a style of writing that’s different from yours.

Writing retreats

Writing retreats can be expensive but are also a fantastic way to meet like-minded people and to set aside some serious quality writing time where you can focus on your work, make tremendous advances and genuinely get to know yourself as a writer. Writing retreats are perfectly constructed to enhance creativity and guide the writer towards a deeper understanding of themselves and their work. If you can’t afford one, why not try setting one up yourself?

Writing courses

Writing courses come in all shapes and sizes from online courses, local community courses, right the way through to university degrees on the subject. Investing in a writing course can be a good way of learning more of the technical aspects of writing as well as giving a person the freedom to experiment with different techniques and approach their writing from new angles.

Online forums

There are thousands of online writing communities out there, some are networking or support groups, others are places where you can learn about writing or even submit your work for critique by fellow writers. The internet is an invaluable resource when it comes to your writing education, and it’s pretty much all free and available at the click of a button too!

Books on writing

Many writers find nothing quite as satisfying as the feel of a book's pages between their fingers. There are countless books available out there on how to write, what to do to get published, what common mistakes to avoid. It’s easy to find reviews from fellow writers about the ones they found most useful, and if you are struggling with a particular aspect of writing, you can search for a book which focuses on helping you improve in that area.

By reading and writing and learning from mistakes

Above all, however, writers learn about writing by writing themselves, reading books and learning from their own mistakes. If you set aside time to write as often as you are able, can look back on your work with a critical eye and accept where you might have gone wrong, and read everything you can get your hands on for inspiration, you’ll see your writing improve and develop effortlessly over time.

While some people have more of a natural creative flair than others, writing is still a skill, and if writers want to improve, they must dedicate time to practising, learning and developing their writing techniques. Above are some of the ways to do just that. How do you make sure you keep learning and improving when it comes to your writing? Share your thoughts with us here!

Bethany Cadman -author of 'Doctor Vanilla's Sunflowers'

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