How to Become a Better Writer (1 min read)

Written by Millionaire’s Digest Team Member: Austin Wiggins

Founder & Owner of: Writing by Ender

Millionaire’s Digest Team, Contributor, Books, Writing Writer and Author of the book Bonds that Bind

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Writing is a skill meant for everyone. Having access to the written word has benefited society since the beginning of history. We use writing to express ourselves, to communicate ideas to one another, and (perhaps professionally) regale others in enchanting stories. This article is for those who write, maybe even do it well, but want to actualize a need to grow.

Read

There’s no shortcut here. You have to read to become a better writer. There is no alternative to experiencing the craft of written communication. Read to enjoy yourself certainly, but read deeply. Read to understand purpose. “Why did the writer do X”, “What does the writer accomplish by using X word instead of X” These are some questions you should ask yourself when you read (and also when you write). It doesn’t matter if your answer is ultimately “right”, what matters is you actively engage to achieve understanding. Over time you’ll be acquainted with different styles of writing and you’ll discover which of those styles most aligns with your own. Now study them. Study the masters, study the amateurs. There’s something to learn from everyone (even if it’s not doing something).

Write Slowly

There’s a peculiar rush with writers. They are stricken with inspiration and want to get all those thoughts out of their head and into the page. It’s similar to the process of vomiting. It is more valuable to write slowly. Writing slowly mandates clear thought. It requires the writer to have a firm understanding of the content they mull. Despite what one might think, it also can make you more creative. As you slow down, you’re more able to track your mind’s thoughts. Some of those thoughts require utmost attention and some of them fleet. It’s those fleeting ones that are often the mad scientist experiments of our brain, those that are an odd culmination ideas in a fresher perspective. They are the source of our creativity, give yourself time to experience them.

Edit

Your first word will almost never be right. Edit them, take apart and put them back together in better ways. This is a part of creativity, working with segments and working to find a cohesive whole. Editing refines your thoughts and will help give clarity to meaning. What you write won’t always make sense, that clarity is necessary.

Follow these three things, peruse them with even a mild tenacity, and you’re writing will skyrocket. All you need is bit of patience and a bit of dedication, and the rest will come in time.

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Article Credits: Austin Wiggins

Millionaire’s Digest Team, Contributor