Writing Tips: Three Ways to Become a Better Writer

Writing tips help writers write better. A few years ago, I wrote a blog on the four key ingredients writers should incorporate and become a better writer. Today, I’m going to discuss three additional tips you can consider when telling your story:

1. Write what you like to read.
2. Write daily.
3. Write with description.

When writing, stay in the lane you enjoy

Do you like reading memoirs, science fiction, romance, comedy? It’s important for you to write the types of book you like to read. For example, I don’t care for science fiction books so for me to sit and try to write a science fiction book would be an incredibly poor use of my time. I wouldn’t make any progress and the book would never make it to print because it’s not my “thing.” Also, I wouldn’t enjoy the process and it’s not a subject I’m familiar with so why put myself through the torture. Same goes for you. Write on topics or genres you like to read.

Create a daily writing habit

If you want to write a book, it’s important to develop a writing habit. You might be someone who enjoys writing in the wee hours of the morning, or perhaps you’re a night owl and like writing after the house settles down after a long day. Decide how long you want to write each day. It doesn’t matter whether you write a certain number of words or choose to write for 15, 30, or 60 minutes, but hold yourself accountable. Life happens and some days might be a struggle, and that’s okay, you can always adjust your schedule. The important issue to remember is write every day. Finding a place to write where your creative juices flow – your back porch or your office helps, especially on days you just don’t want to write. Make the time and see what develops.

Bring your reader into your writing

In my previous blog link above, a writing tip I give is learning to observe. When you make a conscious decision to observe, you’ll discover the genres you like to read and the writing styles you enjoy. Look around your daily surroundings. When you walk outside, ride your bike, look at the sky, or just sit and relax, take the time and pay attention to everything around you.

How does this come into play when you start to write? You’ll develop the skill of describing the scenes in your writing. Which sentence sounds better to you? 

On my walk, I noticed the wet grass.”

Or,

As I strolled up the quiet street early in the morning, I noticed how the sun’s rays made the dew on the grass glisten.”

When telling your story, consider writing about topics you enjoy reading, create a daily writing habit, be descriptive and your reader will fall into the story as though they were there. 

Which of these three writing tips resonates with you as you take your writing to the next level?