Being a better writer seems elusive sometimes. But simply put, writing is just thinking on paper. The more you think, and the more clearly you think, the better your writing will be.
I have a lot of experience writing and have even had a full-time job with benefits as a writer. Here's what I think is going on inside of me that makes my writing flow with aplomb.
- Like your thoughts: You and yourself are alone in your mind. Do you like you? Do you like the way you think? Finding what parts of your mind and your experience which you want to share is extremely important in deciding what to write. If you don't like your thoughts, you probably won't want to share them. But guess what? That doesn't mean you can't write. What you do then is private journaling. I've said before that journaling can unlock writer's block. Get those bad feelings out on paper/computer so the good feelings can flow again!
- Be honest: If you write about things you don't know well or understand, most people will know that you are basically pretending and you won't be able to develop a good reputation as an author. If you do not open up about your experiences and feelings, your writing will be bland and boring. Speaking in general terms about how pain affects people instead of setting the example of talking about what hurt you is almost the definition of boring. So be open, honest, and even raw if the situation calls for it.
- Study famous authors and emulate the one you think is most like where you want your talent to be. Do this by reading tons of their writing and add sticky notes or take down written notes about all the parts you think are most affecting or best. Then at some point when you have a broad selection of the author's work, look at all your notes and try to understand what makes this author so good: turn of phrase? plot surprises? world building? Also, is there anything you wish the author had done differently? Take all this down in your notes and then try to write something short that hits all these points. By using reviewers, repeated tries, and research, you may be able to improve in the direction you seek.
- The cardinal rule of writing is "consider thy audience." In other words, imagine yourself being the reader and make sure you would enjoy your book. What would you want to have happen? What would be the worst mistake to make? Be sure you know exactly who would want to read your book and even turn your ideal reader into a character you know well and know how to make happy.
- Get edited: "Only a fool has himself for a lawyer" and the same goes for editing. You will do so much better by allowing other people, especially experienced and talented editors, to look at your writing. Get some reviewers who know not only spelling and grammar but plot structure, character development, themes, message, and much more if you want your writing to be truly good.
- Write every day for a long time: There's simply no substitute for experience, so even if you have to take a low-paying job cranking out articles, find a way to start writing every day. The drudgery does something to you that breaks down overthinking, self-consciousness, and laziness. Being forced to stick to a deadline absolutely will make you a much faster writer.
- Write all the time: A lot of times when I sit down to write I just take off at a blazing pace and finish quickly. I'm able to do this because I knew I was about to have to write later and started thinking about it for most of the day. Think of the major points you want to communicate and jot them down in your notes, then in your mind, develop those points so you will have some ideas flowing once you're able to sit down at your desk.
That's all I have for now! Let me know in the comments if you have any hints that have helped you improve your writing.
--Pam