Tips on Becoming a Better Writer

Writing is a joyous hobby. Nothing compares to the quiet and introspection that it provides. It can be so satisfying and gratifying to hold in your hand a project, thoughts and words finally laid down in print, finished.

But as every writer knows, writing takes patience and focus. Sometimes it seems like the situations are less than ideal for concentrating on writing, and it can be frustrating. Maybe it's the kids screaming, or the dishes clamoring to be done, or the lure of the television screen, or work.Maybe thoughts are jumbling around in the brain, and you don't know even where to begin. Maybe you've hit the proverbial "brick wall", as we all do from time to time. Regardless of your skill level or what kind of writing you do, there are methods and mindsets you can use to make writing a daily habit.

1.) You need to write every day. Regardless of what you're writing, or how good you think it is (or isn't), make it a habit to take fifteen minutes out of each day for writing. In a Creative Writing course I took, a professor recommended that you keep a spiral-bound notebook for this purpose. Each day, at relatively the same time, just sit down and write. About anything. The point of this exercise is just to get you writing, and to override the self-criticism, which kills creativity. Which brings me to the second most important skill to learn...

2.) Throw Away the Judge. Right now. We, as artists, tend to be so critical of every single thing we do, often cutting it down and throwing it away before we even get a second opinion. Take it for granted that you see your work from a skewed perspective, and that you need to silence your inner judge. Especially be mindful in the beginning stages of any project you might undertake. Have respect for the Process, and realize that it takes time for an idea to flower. Something you might not use in the finished product might spark ideas for another project or perspective. Going back to the daily writing, I was told in my class never to go back and change any of what I wrote, and to keep the writing tucked away, looking at it several months later. Sometimes going back to a work later gives you whole new perspective on it, and allows you to see it not so wrapped up in emotion.

3.) Save Your Writings, Even The "Crappy" Ones. Now I know none of us wants papers flung all over the house, making a mess everywhere, but again, saving your work is a sign of reverence to the Process. When you go to an art museum and see a finished masterpiece, and then sketches of the artist's earlier work, isn't it fascinating to see how far they've come? Why shouldn't you be able to celebrate in your achievements and advancements, as well? Keeping writing that didn't quite "hit the mark", or half-finished projects, isn't a sign of failure. Maybe in the future you will have developed the skills or experience necessary to finish that project, or sometimes the gift of time allows you to see things with more clarity and perspective. It's never too late...

4.) Never Give Up. So you wanted to write a graphic novel, or your memoirs, but you just don't have the time, and besides, who would want to read that? No! Never give up on your plans and dreams. There are so many people in the world, I guarantee that someone, somewhere would want to hear what you have to say. The reward of accomplishing something for yourself will be greater than all the hardships endured creating it. Never doubt your ability to create. If you can think it, you can do it.

5.) Open Your Eyes. As artists, we need to attune ourselves more acutely to the outside and inside world than many people. Every visual, every feeling can be fodder for writing. Take a walk today. What do you see? An elderly lady at the bus stop looking forlorn? What's her story? The leaves on the trees turning golden? What reactions does that invoke in you? Learn to think and feel with all your senses, and in no time at all, words will be flowing onto the page.

6.) Read Other Writing. What novels or poems have you enjoyed in the past? What is it you like about certain artists? Knowing why you like what you like might give you some clues as to the direction that you want to proceed in. Everyone is unique. Your personal style will flow through, even if you adopt a style similar to a favorite. Look for ideas. When doing daily writing exercises, look at the newspaper or a magazine. Review what someone else has written. Read an article, and rewrite it using your own words. How could YOU make it different and more direct? All these things add up to make you a better writer.

Keep at it, and best of luck!!