As writers, either professional or amateur, we all want to improve at our skill. But if you’re no longer studying writing in school, how will you keep learning? How can you start on your path to becoming a better writer? Here are 5 easy tips that will take your writing to the next level:
1. Get Comfortable with Peer Review
No one enjoys being critiqued, and definitely, no one enjoys their work being critiqued. But, if you want to become a better writer, this step can’t be avoided. If no one else ever sees your work, how will you get honest feedback? Find people you trust, and ask them to review your work. Maybe you could review theirs too. We do our best learning and maturing when we’re forced to be a bit vulnerable, when we put our work out there for others to see. Don’t go your entire life holed up in your home writing manuscripts that no one ever reads—that worked for Emily Dickinson, but that doesn’t mean it should work for you.
2. Listen to Podcasts
There are about 5 trillion podcasts out there to which you can subscribe and listen—podcasts of history, horror, memoir, comedy, crime, art and yes, even writing! This resource is literally right at your fingertips, and it’s free! Listen on your way to work, blast it over the speakers while you’re cleaning or plug it into your headphones while you’re working out or getting ready for the day. This is such an easy and fun way to learn more about writing (and it doesn’t cost you anything). A few of my favorites are:
The Writer Files—This podcast examines the methods and patterns used by great writers. It’s fascinating for any lit-lover.
NPR’s A Way with Words—Here you’ll dive into language and the cultural, historical and emotional meanings behind it. I honestly learn something new every time I listen.
Writing Excuses—This podcast is quick, easy and accessible at only 15 minutes per episode. Each one provides simple, yet effective tips on writing theory and technique.
3. Find Community and Online Writing Courses
Did you really think you were done with school and writing courses? Well, you don’t have to be! Do some research about writing classes available in your community. Sometimes they cost a little, but sometimes they don’t! They could be through your local library or nearby university. A lot of times, they will be a group of adults who meet once a week to discuss and share writing. This is a great way to find inspiration, get motivated, keep learning and make some writer friends (because I believe it’s important to have some friends who love to do what you love to do). And if you can’t find any in your area, check online! There are plenty of courses there to keep learning and perfecting your writing.
4. Read! Read! Read!
This is maybe my favorite step, simply because it’s fun. I’m sure if you love to write, then you also love to read. And perhaps nothing makes us stronger writers than taking in as much writing as we can. Read the classics, and read contemporary. Read fiction and nonfiction. Find what truly interests you, and take hold of it. Fill your repertoire with as much as you can, and observe the craft of others. What do you like about their work? What do you not like? What would you do differently? Reading helps us analyze others’ work while simultaneously analyzing our own. This step can also be free! Go get your library card, and get to work!
5. Practice Your Skill
“Start writing no matter what. The water does not flow until the faucet is turned on,” said novelist Louis L’Amour. You’ll never improve and actually implement all these skills you’ve learned if you don’t make time to sit down and write. Do it like it’s your job. Force yourself to write something, anything, even if you don’t feel like it. In a year, five years, ten years, you will have practiced and sharpened your skill. You will have worked out some kinks that troubled you before. And most likely, you will have created something (or a few somethings) that are truly great. When I was going through my Ernest Hemingway phase—like so many do—I found this quote I now cling to when I lack all inspiration to write:
“All you have to do is write one true sentence. Write the truest sentence that you know.”
Start there, and others will come.
