Best Tips to Improve Your Writing
There have been many arguments about whether writing well is a talent you're born with, or a skill that you develop. The one thing that is indisputable, though, is that practice and working on honing the craft makes you a better writer. There are no hard and fast rules for writing, and no restrictions on creativity. Art is fluid, but with time and effort, your writing style changes and develops into something that is more original and more ‘you.’
Read on for tips on how to improve your writing, with inputs from some brilliant and prolific writers as well as editors: Zane Frederick, Gaia Meera, Chimen Kouri, and Madi Giovina.
What You Read Matters
Reading well is the key to writing well. Don't just read the authors you admire — look for diverse writers that bring in different perspectives. Travel the world through books. Be open to reading things you wouldn't usually pick up. Madi Giovina, founder of Perennial Press, suggests, “If you’re writing a poetry chap, read an essay collection or even a science textbook. If you're writing sci-fi, read poetry. Not only does reading across disciplines give you all kinds of inspiration, it also makes you think differently, which always strengthens your writing. Don’t just read big publishers either, often zines and small presses have some of the most experimental, contemporary, and raw writing out there at the moment.”
Write for yourself
For those exploring writing as a profession, it is important that you do not lose your enjoyment of it. Remember that it is ultimately something that you enjoy and find exciting. Not everything you write needs to be published — sometimes, you can just write for yourself. Freewriting — writing without thinking much — is also something that many writers recommend, along with dream journals At first, it may sound pointless, but it is always helpful to let your thoughts flow without a filter. Musician and poet Gaia Meera explains, “In early 2018, during my first year of uni, I set out to write an in depth paper on David Bowie. In doing so, I stumbled across an old interview of his, and I resonated so deeply with what he had to say that I began to apply that advice to every area of my life, including my writing. "Never play to the gallery" he said, "never work for other people at what you do, always remember that the reason that you initially started working was that there was something inside yourself that you felt that, if you could manifest it in some way, you would understand more about yourself." Never write with the sole intent of giving the reader, the audience, the listener, what you think they'd want. Never lose sight of yourself like that.” Zane Frederick, author of he(art) and i am tired of being a dandelion, states: “Write even if you don't feel like it. Write even if you don't think what you wrote is "good". The more you write, the better you become at adjusting and improving your craft. Making small yet significant changes in your voice and style, it will pay off in the long run!”
Collaborate!
In times when I have no inspiration, I find myself turning to other writers. These can be friends, poets you admire on Instagram, or even television series you like. Look for direct inspiration, co-write stories on poems, or discuss similar themes. My friend and I often give each other prompts to write about when we're both facing writer's blocks. Look for communities of writers — month-long events like Escapril and NaNoWriMo are great to work with others! Independent zines often feature the most brilliant writers and stunning ideas.
Explore and Experiment
As a writer — or any creator — exploring and experimenting with different styles, genres, and ideas is key. It helps you learn a ton, and if you don't like something, you always know not to come back to it later. It's not just writing outside the box that is beneficial, but also reading. Says Zane Frederick, “Read books or genres you haven't delved into much. You may find inspiration in the writing style, development, and much more. It'll help to expand what you know about writing and what you've been exposed to. Knowledge is power!”
Take your time
Sometimes, inspiration and satisfactory writing can take time. Be patient. Give yourself the space to improve. Poet Chimen Kouri states, “Sometimes deadlines are harmful. Over the years, after working on numerous projects, I’ve realized how unproductive I become when I give myself a deadline. I believe it stems from our “hustle” culture, how we compare productivity with success. Newsflash: when the creative juices aren’t flowing, and you’re dreading writing more than looking forward to it, that’s your body and mind telling you to take it easy. It’s okay not to write every day – it doesn’t make you any less of a writer. When I don’t set a deadline for myself, I’m able to get a project done in a timely manner. And most importantly, I’m able to enjoy what I’m writing. You will finish it when you are meant to finish it.”
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