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5 Tips to Improve Your Writing

by ScreenCraft Staff on April 29, 2014

Playing an instrument or pruning your garden are tasks that take great time and patience. The same is true with writing. Although we may like to think otherwise, seeing our writing grow doesn’t just happen overnight. The folks at McSweeney’s know this well enough with their hilarious and helpful list on ways to improve your writing. Here’s a summary of their tips:

 

Be consistent. Don’t procrastinate. Write everyday -- doesn't matter if you can’t finish your project in one day, spend time exercising your writing muscles so that you’re fit to reach the end goal. Read everyday -- it will only improve your writing and be an endless source of inspiration. Your favorite authors can also give you something  to strive for.

 

Don’t give up. When writer’s block hits you, fight back. Don’t let an empty page intimidate you. Think of all the classic works we’d be missing out on if their creators hadn’t persevered. We’d have a pretty empty culture.

 

Reach out. While writing is an internal, introspective process, editing and critiquing isn’t. Ask fellow writers, amongst others, to read your work and provide honest feedback. A fresh pair of eyes will spot points and questions that you may not have considered. And don’t take harsh comments personally -- remember you can always take them or leave them.

 

Stay healthy. It’s hard to write if you’re emotionally drained and on your deathbed. Writers have a reputation of suffering from debilitating self-doubt (just ask De Niro and his 2014 Oscars screenwriting nominations intro). But instead of reveling in that romantic notion, channel your emotions into your latest project. It’s cheaper than therapy.

 

That said, be yourself. Don’t deny your emotions. Don’t be afraid to experiment. Find your own voice as a writer, instead of copying others strictly because they’re famous and successful. You’ll grow some fans along the way.

Guest post for ScreenCraft from Tiffany Lew.  Tiffany is a recent graduate of Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism. She covers arts and culture.  Check out her other recent post here: How to Stop Procrastinating and WRITE! 

 

What do you do to improve your writing?  Let us know here in the comments or on Twitter: @screencrafting 

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