Be a Better Writer by Writing More

Do you write every day?

Do you make sure you get some writing time in each week, if not daily?

If you answered yes to these questions, you should have noticed an improvement in your writing and possibly an improvement in the speed at which you can write. But that’s not all. You will also find it easier to think of topics to write about. And you’ll build your writing skills and confidence.

This is true whether you’re writing books, booklets, blog posts, or articles. And it’s true whether you’re writing for yourself or if you’re a writer-for-hire for individuals or businesses. The more you write, the better you’ll get at it. The more writing of any type you do, the better you’ll get, just like the adage, ‘practice makes perfect.’

While writing more is essential, there are other factors to consider to make that writing effective:

YOU NEED TO KNOW THE BASICS

If you practice the piano every day, but don’t learn the fundamentals, such as scales, theory, sight-reading, and proper ergonomics, you may improve in some pieces, but not all. And not to a professional level. You’ll limit yourself.

-Structure Basics

One aspect of writing improvement is the ability to create a well-structured article or story. It should begin with an interesting or hooking introduction. The beginning lets the reader know what the piece will be about. And, it should move smoothly into the middle.

The middle is the content substance. You let the reader know what the story will be about in the beginning, and the middle builds on the storyline. The middle is the meat and potatoes of the story or article, and it should move smoothly into the ending or conclusion.

The ending wraps things up. It should wrap up any loose ends and tie the piece up into a nice package. It needs to leave the reader satisfied.

To ensure you have the foundation right, take classes, study traditionally published books in your genre, and read books about writing.

Taking the steps to write right, the more you write, the easier it becomes to create content that is well-structured and engaging.

-Focus

Another aspect writers strive for in their writing is clarity. Along with a well-structured piece, it needs to be clear and easily understood. It needs to have focus.

Think of your story as having a road map. You need to get from point A to point C (beginning, middle, and end) with as little deviation as possible. Your reader is following you down the road, and you don’t want to lose him.

If you give your reader any reason to pause or divert his attention from the main point of your story, you’ll lose him. People have short attention spans; they want the information as quickly as possible and with as little effort as possible.

If you write non-fiction and your topic is about health, don’t go off on a tangent about today’s political climate, unless it’s in regard to the stress it adds to your everyday life and the harmful effects it has on your health.

The more you write, the easier it becomes to create focused content.

–The Writing Time Issue

A number of writers set daily writing quotas for themselves. Some may choose thirty minutes a day, others 500 to 1000 words per day. However, some writers feel too pressured by a daily writing quota, so they choose to set weekly quotas. Others may decide on monthly quotas.

One problem just about every writer faces is time. Even if you work from home, by the time you read and respond to your emails, keep up with your blogs, do your social networking, and keep up with your family and household duties, the day can just slip away. That’s why it’s so important to have a weekly writing plan or schedule in place and do your best to stick to it.

Bottom line, if you’re a writer, it’s important to learn the foundation by studying writing. Then, write regularly, if not every day, as often as you can. As with any craft, the more you practice or work at it, the better you’ll get.

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I’m a working children’s ghostwriter, rewriter, and coach. I can help turn your story into a book you’ll be proud to be the author of, one that’s publishable and marketable.

OTHER HELP I OFFER:

HOW TO WRITE A CHILDREN'S FICTION BOOK
A 200+ book that will help you write your own children’s book.

FICTION WRITING FOR CHILDREN eCOURSE
4, 8, or 12 Weeks / 9 Sections / Instructor Guided Self-Study Program

WRITERS ON THE MOVE SELF-PUBLISHING SERVICE
Self-publishing help for children’s authors (picture books and chapter books)

You can contact me at kcioffiventrice@gmail.com.