Getting to be a better writer
I love to write. In fact, my LinkedIn profile will tell you that I relish the process it takes to become a good writer.
Despite my love for it, writing is difficult. Sometimes, what you mean does not look so great in written text. Or a friend was way too nice to you when you showed her a short story that you wrote...wait, that might have only happened to me.
“I relish the process it takes to become a good writer."
Anyways, all jokes aside...I would like to share some writing tips that I have learned. These tips may seem straightforward. However, it's easy to forget the small stuff.
1. Read
Reading is one of the best ways to improve your writing. Other people's styles and techniques will help you form your own. By the way, that is not a bad thing!
2. Write
Write, write and write. Don't stop writing. Get all your thoughts out.
Then, take a break. Come back to what you wrote with fresh eyes. Some people will delete what they just wrote, while others will edit. Go with what works for you. Your second attempt is usually much better than your first.
3. Re-read what you wrote
I wish that I truly got to experience the typewriter. With a typewriter, one had to really think about each word before typing. You could not just hit backspace.
Typos happen to the best of us, so always go back and re-read what you wrote.
4. Ask for help
In college, I learned to ask writing tutors to look over any major assignments that I had. Their perspectives helped me shift direction. Writing tutors were honest. While your friends are great, they may not be the best editors. Don't be afraid to seek out the opinion of a good writer.
5. Recognize that everyone has a different process
For some people, writing happens in a busy coffee shop (case in point: the above photo from a cute coffee shop). For others, they need to be in complete silence. Everyone has their own process. Trust it!
Have any questions or comments? Don't hesitate to connect with me, I love interacting with new people and perspectives!