At The Writer Project, we’re committed to providing information that helps our students become stronger writers and eventual authors in a variety of chosen fields. Read below for our five simple tips on how to improve your use of language and become a better writer.
1. Don’t Be Afraid of the Thesaurus
It’s easy to fall into the simple comfort of using the same word over and over again. Familiar words are, well, familiar! However it’s worth it to take the time to branch out and develop your vocabulary. Choose words that express exactly what you mean. Don’t settle for angry when you really mean livid. Sad just won’t do when you have the option to use morose. As a writer, words are your biggest tool. Use as many of the right ones as possible to communicate your points.
2. Let it be Bad, so that it Can Be Good!
The greats tell us that much of writing is rewriting, and so it must be with creating rough drafts. Don’t be discouraged if the words coming out onto the page are horrible, flat, tasteless things. That’s okay! Bad writing is just the primer coat that allows good writing to replace it. Many times, the mind is too preoccupied with getting an idea out to worry about making it sound good. That’s what editing is for. Let it be bad, so that it can be good!
3. Less Usually Is More
Perhaps the only greater pain than writing filler to reach an artificial word count is having to read such filler. We’ve all heard it before — less is more. Don’t feel the need to beef up your words just to impress anyone. Good writing is about efficiency––what is the most effective way to get from point A to point B? From the beginning to the end? Usually, shorter is better and less is more. Fewer words will have a more resounding effect on readers.
4. Read, Read, Read!
Stephen King said it best—Read Everything! The bad and the good. Olympic athlete Michael Phelps once boasted that he consumes upwards of 12,000 calories per day when training. Much of the same principle goes into writing. In order to produce quality writing, you must read extensively. Just as food fuels the athlete, reading well-written works will likewise fuel and inspire your ability to write. We often assign our students a “buddy book” to read at the height of the writing process in order to let the sentences, structures, choices, and words of another enhance their own output.
5. Let Others Read Your Work
It’s tough, we know. Letting others read your precious pages can be scary but this is a fear that must be overcome. Once again, writing is communication and effective communication cannot happen in a vacuum. Letting others read your work is the only way to find out if your words are getting the job done. Start with people that are close to you and that you trust to give constructive feedback. Or, if you prefer, a writers group comprised of non-partial readers might be the way to go. At The Writer Project, we often connect writers in need of readers with others willing to provide feedback.
What are your favorite tips for getting the job done as a writer? Let us know in the comments!
The Writer Project is an arts and literature program dedicated to mentoring future authors and developing literary talent. We work with writers one-on-one to craft compelling narratives, see projects through to completion, enhance writing & communication skills, and submit polished work for publication. Have a story to tell? Get in touch for a free consultation.