Writing is a skill like any other: it must be practiced to be improved. The problem is, many people don’t know exactly how to practice writing. There are actually quite a few ways to do so and we will share them with you here.
There are a few things you can do everyday to help improve the process of writing skills. Here are seven of them for you to get started:
1. Reading
Reading and writing go hand in hand. If you want to get better at one, do the other. Reading will help you see how good (and bad) writing look like. You will be able to subconsciously internalize this information and it will start to come out in your own writing. The key is to read various texts within various genres to be exposed to more styles of writing.
2. Watching Documentaries
This may seem like a strange one but hear us out. Watching documentaries about different subjects will make you more knowledgeable and worldly. That newfound knowledge will transmit itself into your writing.
3. Journaling
Some of the most successful people journal daily so it isn’t just to improve writing skills. Elaborate on a journal you want and set aside some time each day to write on it. Write about whatever you want, or find some writing prompt to help point you in the right direction.
4. Social Networking
You have to post and message your friends with clear language if you want them to understand what you mean. Social networking is a great way to practice writing without even realizing it! What a great excuse to jump online, right?
5. Think before You Speak
Try this out: switch your mind to thinking about what you are going to say before you say it. Try it for the next 30 minutes. Thinking of how to better your sentence structure or what words to use is exactly what you do when writing. Do it for speaking to get some extra practice!
6. Join a Club
This one isn’t necessarily something you do every day, but it’s still a good one. There are many writing clubs, both online and in person meet-ups. You can get feedback for your work and read other writings to give you some ideas of what others are capable of.
7. Work on Your Grammar
This one may not be as fun as the others but it’s very effective! Follow a grammar blog or a Facebook page and actively watch and participate in their posts. When you learn more about how to correctly use the English language, your writing will really start coming together!
Try one, try all! It doesn’t matter. Anyone of these will be helpful when trying to improve your writing skills. Pick one to start with and add another when you feel comfortable. Whatever your strategy is, stay consistent and you’ll see your writing getting better and better!