How to Improve Your Writing

During my High school years I thought I was going to be an author, because I thought that I not only had the natural abilities of a good writer, but had a good grasp of the techniques as well. However, over time I realized that there was more to writing that just knowing how to write a complete sentence, having a great idea and a large vocabulary. As a result, I decided to consider my second option for a future career; teaching. In this article I will share a few tips that I learned along the way.

USE NATURAL ABILITIES:

Like most, I find that when I write, the great idea comes from the things I have experienced. It comes from the creative side of me and the useless facts that I carry with me on a daily basis. I have come to realize that these are some of the things that makes writing good and natural. Therefore, don't change that.

USE DESCRIPTIVE WORDS:

Use strong, descriptive words. Use a thesaurus, do a bit of research if you have to, however use strong words that describe what you are talking about. Never tell the reader; describe it to the reader. Use adjectives and adverbs and pay close attention to the verbs, nouns and modifiers used.

USE UNAMBIGUOUS NOUNS:

When I said to "describe" what you are talking about; I mean "describe."
Instead of using words like sun, phone or shoe. Use more specific description like, "the yellow sun," "black cordless phone," and "white Jordon runners." Use words that creates an image.

CHOOSE COLORFUL VERBS:

Everyone knows that verbs are ACTION words, that is what we are going for here. We want words that brings life to an essay or a story. Choose words that creates an image in the readers mind.

USE COLORFUL ADJECTIVES AND ADVERBS:

You can use modifiers to describe the nouns in your writing. This will always make the writing more interesting and exciting. In addition, try to avoid using adjectives that are used often like the words, nice, great, good, fun, bad, beautiful. These words are not only commonly used, however they are bland.

Use adverbs that describes the action or verbs in detail. For example, Judy let out a BLOOD CURDLING scream.

USE FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE:

This really adds to the creativity of the writing. This may include the three common types of figurative language; simile, metaphor, and personification.

SIMILE: When two things are compared using LIKE or AS.

METAPHOR: This is a figure of speech, in which two things are compared.

PERSONIFICATION: This is where human characteristics are given to a non-living thing.

TIPS AND WARNINGS:

1. If the idea is clear and more importantly; natural, leave it alone.

2. Always describe instead of telling.

3. Sometimes simple words are better than big ones.

4. Don't use every day adverbs and adjectives.