If you’re a beginner writer, the thought of writing a story that is both well-written and engaging can be daunting. It takes time and practice to improve your writing skills, but with these 7 writing tips, you’ll be on your way to writing better stories, articles, or other pieces in no time!
Tip #1: Eliminate Filler Words and Phrases From Your Writing
One of the quickest ways to make your writing sound more amateurish is to use filler words and phrases. These are weak words that don’t contribute anything to your writing and can actually make it harder for the reader to understand what you’re trying to say. For example:
- actually;
- basically;
- literally;
- pretty much;
- very;
- really;
- just;
- even;
- seem.
Which sentence do you think is stronger: “She’s literally so pretty” or “She’s pretty?” The second sentence is more concise and to the point, making it more effective. If you’re using metaphors in your writing, make sure they’re unique. Everyone has heard “as easy as pie” or “deep like the ocean” before, so using a more original metaphor will make your writing stand out.
Tip #2: Keep Your Paragraphs and Sentences Varied in Length
If all of your paragraphs are four sentences long, or if all of your sentences are ten words long, your writing will start to sound monotonous. Mix things up! Write some shorter paragraphs, and throw in the occasional one-sentence paragraph for emphasis.
Varying the lengths of your sentences will also help to keep the reader’s attention. Short sentences are more emphatic, while longer ones can be used for description. Just be careful not to go overboard!
Tip #3: Edit a Lot, and Take a Break Before You Do
A good writer is their own harshest critic. Edit your drafts ruthlessly, cutting out anything that doesn’t contribute to the story or that could be better said another way. But don’t edit right after you finish writing! Give yourself a break first, so you can come back to your work with fresh eyes – and with our writing tips in mind.
Tip #4: Be Concrete and Specific
When you’re writing, be as specific as possible. This will make your writing more interesting to read and will help paint a clear picture in the reader’s mind. For example, instead of writing “He was angry,” try “His face turned red and he clenched his fists.”
Or, replace common adjectives like “good” or “bad” with more specific ones, like “well-rounded” or “boring.” Quality storytelling is also built on descriptive verbs. “He plodded down the street” is more interesting than “He walked down the street.”
Tip #5: Follow Your Favorite Authors for Writing Tips
The best writing tips come from successful authors who have been writing for years. Follow your favorite authors on social media or sign up for their email lists to get writing tips and inspiration delivered straight to your inbox. Even if they don’t offer advice specifically, their posts and articles will give you a good idea of what it takes to be a successful writer.
Tip #6: Join a Group or Community of Writers and Editors
A writing group or community is a great way to get feedback on your writing, learn from other writers, and stay motivated. If you want to write better, search online or in your local community for writing groups that meet in person or virtually. Networking with other writers is a great way to learn the ropes and get your writing career off the ground.
Tip #7: Take a Writing Course
If you want to improve your writing skills, there’s no better way than to take a writing course. It will teach you the basics of writing, grammar, and punctuation. You’ll also learn how to structure a story, create believable characters, and craft a compelling plot. Whether you take an online course or a class at your local community college, you’ll be sure to improve your writing skills.
Following these writing tips, you can make your novels or articles crisp, clean and easy to read. Keep them in mind when you start your daily writing session, and you’ll see your writing improve in no time.
Do you have any other writing tips to share? Let us know in the comments below!