Even though I really don’t consider myself a writer (more like someone who likes to be creative), I have been writing for this blog a couple of years now. I think everyone who is writing is always looking for ways to improve what he or she is publishing. Personally I think that no matter in which way you are being creative, it usually takes time to really get good at it. Of course this doesn’t only mean writing, but also reading work of others to see if there are things you can learn from. I once read it takes at least 1500 articles before you get really good at writing and although I don’t agree with it (some are just more talented than others) I do think pratice does make you better. This Monday Question is about writing:
What do you do to improve your writing and do you have any tips for others?
I don’t really do a lot to improve my writing, but I think rewriting a lot is essential. Go through your texts not just once, but many times. It will improve with each iteration.
Apart from that, I’ve always been a supporter of the idea that reading a lot helps you to become a better writer.
Very good advice Jessica and to be honest it is something I do way too little. Will try to do that more.
I agree that reading other work will help you as it can be inspiring.
Nothing in recent years has helped my writing more than Roy Peter Clark’s excellent book “The Glamour of Grammar”. It is filled to the brim with useful tips and guidelines, and it’s all presented in an easily digested fashion. It’s both interesting and a fun read. I can’t recommend it enough to anyone looking to improve their writing.
Have never heard of that book, but will read a bit about it to see if it would be something I’d read. Thanks Emil!
Share a lot of Jessica’s views on this one. I’m getting into the habit, these days, of writing a post then re-reading and refining it. Even if it’s just taking a word or two out.
I’m definitely no writer. English language/literature was one of my weak points at school! I tend to think, and hope, that writing and reading more will help me along the way.
I will have to do that more…I’m mostly of the “fire and forget” school 😉
I have always been writing in one form or another (whether that was poetry or lyrics), although I have no idea if I should consider myself good or bad…I just do it because I like doing it.
I’ve been lazy with this recently, but I used to give my review to someone else to proof. It is something I know helped me greatly, but due to recent time constraints has been more difficult. I do plan on getting back with that routine.
That does cost more time. I personally like to do it all alone, but can see how it would improve your writing.
I agree with proof reading, I actually do it out loud in order to find those places where it is difficult to focus and it becomes heavy. Also, I try to write shorter sentences but that never seems to work.
Since English is my second language, I read a lot in English which helps but I should do it more often. The more you read, the more you have that flow of writing, at least for me. Plus, I use thesaurus for synonyms a lot but that is just because I am restricted in terms of language.
But like you said yourself, practice! Write, write and write. Some do say you are either born as a writer or not, but I say, those who born as writers also write their selves into the writers they are so.. practice!
Interesting way to do it, I never read out loud.
English isn’t my first language either, so using a thesaurus is a good tip I might start using. Thanks Mettel!
Interesting topic. Lately, my big thing has been to write my posts more in advance of posting them. This gives me more time to look at them and make them better. I try to get my thoughts about a movie down as soon as possible and then read through it frequently to make sure I’m really expressing my thoughts clearly.
My other approach lately is trying to write in different ways. Instead of just doing straight-up reviews, I’ll periodically try to just look at a certain aspect of a movie. I think that helps to keep the writing from getting stuck in a pattern. It’s still a work in progress for sure.
Thanks Dan. I’m a big fan of the way you write and challenge yourself!
Good question Nostra. I actually don’t really do anything [that’s why I’m still a crappy writer, ahah]. I agree that practice makes perfect so I just keep on doing it and become more comfortable with my style. I like Dan H’s answer above about trying out different things. If I’m stuck writing a straight-on review, I usually do a top 10 list instead of why I like a certain movie. For me, the most important thing about writing for blogs is ‘to be yourself.’
Thanks Ruth! And being yourself is what it’s all about in the end.
Sounds weird but my reviews are usually written in my head as I try to go to sleep. I go over it countless times before I finally fall asleep. The odd thing is that I remember it in the morning. I’m definitely not a great writer as you can see from my reviews, but I do love writing regardless.
Interesting way, I usually do it already while watching, not that I’m busy with it all the time, but I’m constantly making mental notes. I really like what you are doing, so keep on doing it!
In person, I’m a fluent sarcastic. When I blog, I needed to be friendly and all, formal English I initially thought was a prerequisite.
Anyway, what I did was devoured novels and other short stories (I like stories, the different forms of them – movies, books, comic) and absorbed how the author constructed their words and try to put it in my blog WITHOUT losing hints of colloquial-ish type of writing that I’ve always been comfortable with.
My theory is you find what suits you and you’re all right – after all, this is blogging. ANY writing is accepted.
Now, blog!
You should try to keep that sarcasm as it can make you stand out. And you are right…any type of writing is excepted, there is always an audience for it.
To improve my writing, I write! I think that’s the best way of doing so as it helps you to define your style. It does help to read others’ work to expand your vocabulary and pick up the odd thing but if you really want to improve your writing then it’s best to just go full steam ahead and carry on writing. You can also ask others for their opinions on how to improve it, with spelling, grammar, etc.
Hahaha, that’s the best tip…just keep writing 🙂 Improving your vocabulary is also important. I think if I would run statistics on my reviews a lot of the same words would keep coming back.
Great question! For me, I usually write out a series of posts for the entire week on Saturday or Sunday. When I am ready to submit a new post during the week, I go back and proofread what I have queued up. Sometimes I only change a word or two, but other times I will find myself rewriting entire sections. Looking over drafts once or twice is very beneficial.
I also firmly believe that doing a lot of reading is essential, but that’s something I admittedly need to do more of on my own.
Thanks Eric! I used to do a lot of writing in the weekend too. I should do proofreading more and have done so the past week and it had has made a small difference.
I’ve learned a lot from other critics, their writing and personal advices. I remember that the first articles i wrote were horrible! 🙂 But now i’m capable to create nice articles after a lot of practice and writing for several websites and newsletters. However, i don’t think i’m a professional writer or movie critic. I just write for fun 🙂 And it’s a nice bonus if the publications are appreciated by the visitors.
My first ones were piles of dog-crap, too! But the important thing was that I jumped right into writing. If I didn’t, I wouldn’t have been able to write this comment at all, let alone my blog (which has some pretty decent writing – I hope).
You only learn things if you keep practicing 🙂
Exactly. Practise makes perfect as they say.