Tips On Improving Your Writing Skills

Much like singing, dancing, or playing the piano, writing requires much practice and time before one becomes good at it. The difference is that aside from these, writing likewise requires maturity, experience, and sensibility. This is why we see lots of kid prodigies becoming virtuosos in the other arts at a tender age, but not one writing a profound novel at, say, age 10.

Image source: familysearch.org

Of course, writing begins with a keenness to the rules of grammar and sentence construction. This cannot be underestimated. The good news is that this almost comes naturally in time, if the would-be writer is devoted to reading. Reading is the singular best advice to improve one’s writing. As one commits to reading regularly—whether these be poems, short stories, newspaper articles, or simple postings online—he or she becomes more familiar with the conventions of language.

The next step is to work on diction and syntax. Choosing the best words in the best order will lead the beginning writer to develop his or her distinct style or voice. The more specific and proximate to the intended sentiment or thought one’s work is, the more believable it becomes to readers. Remember to avoid clichés. Sure, conventions depend on the field of writing one wants to get into (i.e., journalism standards are different from technical or creative writing ones), but the idea is to say things clearly without resorting to tired expressions.

Finally, if you want to get into literary writing, a good starting advice is to show, not tell. Readers are immersed more in the idea you’re positing when they are being transported into, say, a scene. Don’t just sound generic: find a way to say things in a new way. Go out and smell not just the proverbial roses, but even the strange odors.

Image source: onboardly.com

Real estate developer Selim Zherka is a proud son, husband, and father. He is an active humanitarian who generously gives to organizations serving underprivileged individuals. For similar reads, visit this blog.