How to Improve Your Writing Skills

Writing is regarded as the fourth of the four language skills which are Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing. Writing is often linear and recursive in nature. Writing is also a process which can also influence a lot of people. If you train yourself in the right manner you are sure to improve your writing skills. You should define the purpose of your writing and also know your audience, your readers. Focus on the content, use a good and a rich vocabulary and try to get the flow right. Following are some tips that will help you to write effectively and improve your writing skills.

Tips to improve your writing skills:

1. Pay close attention to grammar, punctuation and spelling
2. Practice writing regularly to dispel the fear of writing and also develop your unique style. The more you practice writing, editing and proofreading, the better you will be at writing.
3. Start reading to gain an insight on how to write effectively as reading broadens your mind and enriches you. By reading the works of good writers, you will increase your vocabulary, gain knowledge, and your imagination will grow. While reading the works of others, pay close heed to the choice of words, sentence structure and the flow of words and thoughts. Extensive reading will also help you realize which errors to avoid.
4. You should read often to expand your knowledge and read on different subjects as well as on a plethora of styles in order to learn different techniques as well as skills. Ensure that you understand the reason why a book is considered a classic work of literature. If you are unable to comprehend the reason, look up critical essays written by critics on that book and try to gain an understanding why it is considered so great. This shall help you to critically analyse the text and discover the hidden meaning of words and passages. Understanding and appreciating great writing is one way of mastering your own writing skills.
5. You should try and write every day. Try to set aside some time everyday for writing. Choose a topic that interests you and begin writing. The more you write, the better you will be at writing as mastering the skill of writing takes practice. Writing every day or very often is an excellent way to enhance your writing. Try to have a writing routine, for example, you can consider journaling which is a good daily practice. With time, you will learn to be aware of the intricate texture of words which will also help you find your style and inner voice. Getting better entails a lot of practicing and also being able to look at your work critically and with analytical and critical bent of mind.
6. Ask a friend to give you honest feedback about your writing.
7. Join workshops, seminars, classes etc on writing effectively to enhance your writing
8. Analyse the works of writers you admire and analyse their writing style. Make a note of the phrases, sentences and even paragraphs that you like in a work. Note the writing style and try to incorporate them in your work. Reading will also help you improve your vocabulary.
9. Incorporate the writing style of writers and authors that you admire into your work
10. Learn from the authors or writers that you admire on how to write effectively
11. Make an outline before you start writing. The outline will give you a clear idea of what to include in your work and you could write down in a couple of sentences what each section would contain.
12. Make sure to edit and proofread your work
13. Accept the fact that first drafts are incomplete and often require revision.
14. Look for an editor who will patiently edit your work. You should also be willing to accept constructive and positive criticism.
15. Browse through your previous works; reflect on them as ponder your growth as a writer. This will give you the much needed impetus to go forward
16. Do not be afraid to have an opinion and voice it.
17. Ensure you research well before writing so that your articles are well researched and informative. It is advisable to use primary sources.
18. Do not procrastinate and start writing now
19. Ensure that your writing has a structure
20. Ensure that the concept you are going to write about is clear in your head
21. You should have a purpose and you should adhere to that purpose.
22. Anticipate the questions of your readers and ensure that enough contexts are provided to them in order for them to comprehend your work.
23. Try not to over explain everything and do away with details that are irrelevant.
24. Avoid rambling. Avoid using a lot of prepositions and your writing will reflect clarity
25. Eliminate filer phrases and filler words in your writing.
26. Adverbs are good to use but you should avoid using them excessively as it may lead your readers feel that you are making word choices that are weak.
27. Write in an engaging and conversational style.
28. You should write in a simple and direct language unless you intend to be poetic
29. Avoid using contractions and also ensure that your paragraphs and sentences are short.
30. Try transcribing to master the art of conversational writing
31. Read out aloud what you have written. Reading aloud can help you understand if your writing is smooth. If it feels clipped and chopped, it is advisable to rewrite your work.
32. Your writing should reflect your personality and your own writing style

Steps to writing effectively:

1. Before you start writing, it is important to think and keep the following points in your mind:

• Understanding your audience
• Understanding your aim as good writer has a very clear purpose

2. Ensuring that your writing has a structure in order to keep the reader engaged and hold his attention. You should ensure that your piece of writing should include the following:

• Catchy and powerful headlines that immediately draw the attention of the reader and ignite his curiosity and make him want to read your article.
• A good introduction or an introductory passage
• A thought provoking and inspirational conclusion.

3. Ensure that your thoughts have a logical flow and you do not distract the readers.
4. Use vivid language and a rich vocabulary so that your readers can feel what you are writing.
5. You should master the art of writing in short meaningful sentences.
6. Work on composing smooth transitions thereby letting your readers glide easily from one sentence to the other, and from one paragraph to the next paragraph.
7. Practice on writing concisely and clearly in order to deliver a strong message.
8. Do not incorporate weak words and clichés in to your writing and enrich your writing with sensory phrases.
9. Read on the subject that you want to write about to get a better grasp and understanding on the subject
10. Use more active voice than passive voice
11. Use strong, evocative words
12. Avoid generalizations and clichés while writing
13. Back your words and opinions with evidence