Easy Ways To Improve Your Writing Skills

All writers know that no matter whether they are just starting or are seasoned professionals there is always more to learn and ways to improve.

So if you are looking for some quick fixes to get better at writing, why not try the following?

Make writing your job

You don’t need to quit your day job to take your writing seriously. However, if you treat writing like you would your job, then you are much more likely to get better. Why? Well, think about it! You can’t just fail to turn up to your job, and you can’t do nothing when you get there! At work, you might get developmental reviews and new challenges and be expected to improve - apply all this to your writing, and you’ll become so much more productive and committed - the more you write, the better you’ll get!

Make reading part of the process

If writing is your job then reading is like prepping for the interview. Reading should be an integral part of every writer's process. So instead of binge watching that boxset, head to bed half an hour earlier and read. It’s hardly much of a chore and the more you read, the more you’ll learn from others and be inspired and motivated to continue yourself.

Find a Writing Partner

A writing partner can help you so much. Not only will you then have someone holding you accountable (as well as encouraging you of course), you’ll also have someone you can bounce ideas off, and who can take a first look at your work and give you honest feedback which can be so invaluable, especially in the early stages.

Explore writing that you admire

When you read, don’t just do it for the sake of it, actually pay attention to what you are reading and look for common factors in books that you love. What makes a story stand out to you? What characters have you fallen in love with? Which are the books you just couldn’t put down? Investigating and dissecting the writing you admire in this way can mean you find common themes that you can incorporate into your own stories.

Write outlines and do proper research

Every good writer knows that it pays to be organised. So don’t start your writing sessions without a clear plan. Having chapter outlines sketched out before you start writing your book can keep you on the right track and make sure that you have the whole story plotted out before you begin. Improving your research skills and taking the time to research important topics thoroughly will also help make your writing more detailed, engaging and believable too.

Eliminate Unnecessary Words

Train yourself to become eagle-eyed when editing your work and look out for where you’ve used more words than you need to. ‘Trimming the fat’ in writing is so essential and can turn sloppy, overwritten passages into neat, smart pieces of literature that deliver an impact.

Following these tips can help you continue to improve your writing over time. What quick tips do you use when you need to give your writing a boost? Share them with us here!

Bethany Cadman - bethanycadman.co.uk

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