How Can I Improve My Writing?
How can I improve my writing? I asked myself that question several years ago. I kept waiting for an answer, but I never received one. About a year later I became pregnant, and I discovered that I had a reason to write. I wrote every day in a journal documenting my pregnancy. My pregnancy was an excellent way to get me back into writing. I’ll be passing that on to my daughter when she becomes older.
After my daughter was born, I realized that I wanted to continue writing. However, I was finding it hard to write in a paper journal. I was that busy. Aiyana wasn’t the “average baby” that I read about in the baby books. How many are? She didn’t receive too much sleep, especially in the first few months. I was afraid that what I wrote might be negative and filled with a lot of angry rants about being a mom. Exhaustion was high in those early days, and I desperately needed rest. In hindsight writing my frustrations down on paper might have been a great way to vent.
I’m Writing Daily but am I improving my Writing Skills?
When Aiyana was a year old I thought about writing again instead of going the paper route I went online and discovered blogging. I was hooked. Funny thing though I really didn’t think about improving my writing skills while I was blogging. I just wrote. Writing is great but in my case if I’m writing without thinking of ways I can improve my skills then I’m just writing.Angel Shannon suggested that I write in a notebook daily, preferably in the evening. I respect her and have always enjoyed her writings so I did. I wrote in a notebook at bedtime. Guess what? I enjoyed the process. I discovered that I didn’t necessarily need to have a reason to write. I could write about whatever was on my mind. It was an excellent exercise. I also purchased a few books on writing.
I was Willing to Make Improvements
I also took a step back and looked at my earlier writings. I didn’t like it at all. When I improved my writing my traffic on my main website, vegan momma, increased. This past year one of the ways I’ve improved my writing is by creating a variety of websites focused on various niches that I’m passionate about. It gave me a chance to write in a different voice. I also think about my audience and try to make it appealing. It’s helped me out tremendously.
When I started freelance writing last month I thought of ways I could enhance my writing skills. The answer was obvious for me. I needed to learn more about freelance writing. In the past few weeks I’ve purchased thirteen books on freelance writing and one on grammar. Those books won’t collect dust I’ve already started reading them. I’ve also been frequenting various websites and forums that have helped me tremendously, and in a few months I would like to take a writing class.
Question: How have you improved your writing skills?
Technorati Tags: freelance writing, improving my writing skills, Angel Shannon
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Hi Opal - that’s really weird - I was thinking the exact same thing as you just the other day. I may write every day, but am I actually improving my skills?
What I don’t do nearly often enough anymore is to get out and watch people. I don’t remember if I got the idea from Artists Way, or another book.
But I used to sit in a cafe and people watch. I would write about them and imagine who they were, where they’d been and where they were going. And that really helped a lot.
I know the Artists Way is one of the books you’ve bought and you will find the exercises in there so helpful. I’m going to start working through it again too - it’s great.
It’s great that I’m not the only one who thinks like this. I imagine I’ll always look for ways to improve my writing. I’ve always heard people say “just write” but if your writing skills are poor shouldn’t you do more than just write?
I’ll start reading The Artist Way this evening. I also purchased the Right To Write by the same author. I should receive that tomorrow.
If you have poor writing skills, writing everyday may not improve skills. On the other hand, if you’re rusty because you haven’t written in a long time, it’s take awhile to get back into the swing of things. In this case, writing everyday can help. Plus, I believe that your writing can naturally improve over time. You grow and get better. I would read a lot of magazine articles and compare my writing style with others who’ve “made it.” This made a huge difference.
Freelance Writer’s World
Telecommuting Diva
I actually find a lot of help in the advice “just write”, because it allows me to be creative, without walling me in. I carry a hardcover notebook in my purse and write anything that strikes me - phrases might catch my attention, or people, whatever. I find that it keeps my vocabulary arsenal updated.
Though, when my writing seems really stagnant, I read a really good book. It’s so refreshing to read a voice other than your own. I can usually take away some tip for my own writing. I’ll also read some poetry, just to get my brain in a different way of thinking.
This is going to seem weird, but I also listen to music that exemplifies my target writing style - that’s the music geek in me, heh. For example, if my writing seems a bit choppy, I listen to music from the Romantic era to get a feel for flow.
Let us know how the writing class works out - I’ve never taken one, but it sounds r. interesting
Valencia,
When I created my alternative healing & whole foods website I checked out quite a few magazines. My writing style is similar.
Reading has helped me also. Currently I’m reading On Writing by Stephen King this evening I’ll start reading The Artist Way.
I’m unsure about the approach I want to use for print publications so I’ll take my time before I submit anything. I want to gain experience locally, and online some of the print publications I’m interested in won’t accept you if you aren’t already published. I’m looking for independent magazines.
RLD,
Today I was thinking that I needed to purchase another notebook. While I was sitting in the sauna, I had some great ideas, and I did not have a notebook. Thankfully I remembered the ideas. I wrote them down as soon as I arrived home.
Regarding music I do the same thing, lol. I usually am listening to my music on iTunes.
What did I do to improve my writing? I got a journalism degree and then decided I didn’t want to write.
Seriously, I ended up going into marketing, which entails plenty of writing, but of a much different style. I did the same as you - got books, read other people’s work, studied the market. Now, I can write in just about any format, which is great because I’m seriously looking at picking up freelance work. Reading about your success has given me a fresh look at what’s out there - I’ve got the skill, I just need to do it. (No excuses!)
I submitted my first non-exclusive article to Associated Content yesterday (I joined via your referral link - not sure if you get anything from it). We’ll see what happens next!
Pete,
I figured you were a writer.
Regarding Associated Content I believe it raises my clout level? I don’t get paid. Check out my freelance writing jobs page, especially freelance writing gigs, they pay a lot more than Associated Content.
I’m looking at a few other things besides AC, which is more for fun and to generate some incoming site traffic (hopefully). I’ll check out your page for sure. Thanks.
I read other writers, share my writing with writer friends and listen to their suggestions. It also helps my writing when there isn’t a baby on my lap!
Other writers are the very best way to get improvement, especially if you know they are unbiased.
Great post, Opal. I think it’s great that you’re open to learning and improving your writing - we should all be that way.
I continue to learn and hone my writing. I know I’m far from perfect. The great thing is that I can always buy books, keep an open mind that my way might not be the right way, and like you said: take a class! I’d love to do that later on. Right now I can’t, but someday ….
I write in a notebook every day too.
pete,
Great! I sent you an email.
Julie Fletcher,
Thanks! I haven’t joined any forums but that is on my list. I’ve been blog hopping and of course reading when I have time.
When my daughter was younger, she used to sit on my lap while I worked online. Of course, she tried to type also.
Michele,
I’m always willing to improve. I try to be the best I can be in whatever I’m involved with. I’m shall take an online writing course. That’s on my “to do” list for Spring 2008. Is it really 2008? My the time has flown!
Opal, my favorite is http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums
I love that site, some of the best in the business are there.
Julie,
Thank you!
I’m now a member.
You’re welcome. I have to say, without the support from the members there, (and I want to really pump the Just Hit Send thread in the Freelance Section!), I wouldn’t be wher eI am in my career now.
Jump in it, we’d love to have you, I am SouthernFriedJulie on AW.
I found it! I’ll try to contribute soon. Thank you!
You help me to remember that I must be constantly improving my writing skills. Also, “use it or lose it” applies.
Thanks,
Kim
Kim,
“Use it or lose it” that’s an excellent point. For a while, I definitely lost it, and now I’m trying to reclaim it. I will!
Opal, you mentioned that you bought 13 books on freelance writing. I looked in your books category on the blog and didn’t see any listed. Do you review them somewhere?
Also, I’ve just recently been wondering how viable it is to leverage work you’ve done for sites like AssociatedContent into “experience” for more “professional” freelance writing work as it typically is easier to get your articles accepted on AC.