I never think at all when i write
nobody can do two things at the same time
and do them both well
~Don Marquis, Archy's Life of Mehitabel, 1933
Writing is an Art. It is passion which develops from one’s interest as well as from practicing. No one can claim to be a master of writing. It is a learning experience all the time. Once we have the determination in ourselves to improve each day in our writing, then only the writing will blossom. Here are 11 great tips to improve your writing skills effectively:
1.First and the foremost thing is to read as much as you can. Read books, magazines, newspapers, etc. Anything that interests you, just read on. The Internet is such a vast platform. Make the most use of it. Read different articles on a particular topic and try to analyze what differentiates one from the other. Observe the writing pattern for each of the article. The more you read, the better you write.
2.Always keep a notebook and pen handy with you so that whenever a good thought comes to your mind, you are able to put up in words.
3.Set a goal to read and write every day. Start a plan of shorter duration. Make it a habit to read good content for at least 15 minutes every day. If your schedule allows you to lengthen your time frame, you can extent it. But first make it a habit.
Similarly, make it a point to write an article of about 300 words daily. Initially, it will take longer time, but as soon as you get into this habit you will realize that writing a short article is so much easy and fun.
4.Make a habit to write quality content. Reading and writing quality content is always an interesting task. As good food is necessary for a healthy body, so is good reading necessary for a healthy mind. Only when you are reading good content, then you will be aspired to write quality content.
5.It often happens that as we read something, there are always words which we have never come across or are unaware of. One common tendency for all of us is to ignore that word and proceed. But it would be beneficial if we search the meaning of the words to have a clear understanding of the reading. Good use of words beautifies the writing. Who knows sometimes we might use those words in our own writing!
6.Revise the basic grammar like the use of tenses, active voice and passive voice, verbs, preposition, etc. If you good at grammar, you are likely to be good at writing.
7.Review your writing at least twice. Be precautious of making any grammar or punctuation mistakes.
8.The best way to practice writing is to start a blog or write for different website. When you know that your work is displayed all over and you would be identified only through your writing, then you would try to give your best. This will also help you in inculcating as a daily practice.
9.Try to read books on various styles and techniques adapted for writing. For e.g. you may read the Microsoft’s Manual of Style, Chicago Manual of style, etc.
Never be worried about your writing. Even if you feel that you are not able to produce quality content, still keep on writing. It is all practice that would make your perfect one day.