Writing? It’s Easy If You Do It Right!
Writing is something that is open for everyone does. From college papers to new novels to even a report for work, we all have a need to write once in awhile. However, even the most talented writers get stuck now and again. Luckily, though, there are a few tips and tricks that can help to get you through.
Read Often
Before you even put pen to paper or your fingers on a keyboard to plan, you need to be well-read. Many authors have come before you and, as a writer, you need to learn the legacy the left or are creating.
Even famous authors such as Stephen King have noted that if you don’t have time to read, you definitely don’t have time (or skills developed) to write. This statement holds true whether you aspire to be the next great American novelist or if you are one of many essay writers looking to have an easier time and stand out from those around you.
Write, then Edit
If you have a sudden flow of ideas, write them before they disappear. At the end of it, your grammar might be off or sentences may need to be restructured but you will have your ideas on paper. You can proofread and edit afterward.
There are plenty of tools that will help you to keep your grammar and spelling in order. One of the best options available right now is Grammarly. These tools shouldn’t be solely relied on, though, so make sure to keep an eye on grammar yourself as you edit and proofread.
Plan What You Are Going to Write Ahead of Time
If there is anything that has been driven into a writer’s head since the first time they took a pen in their hand it’s to think about what they are going to write before they write it. This is especially true when you’re writing a technical or professional piece or need academic essay help. If you are writing fiction, a general plot and some characters are usually enough to get you started.
On the note of fiction, though, don’t plan the ending too much. As you write, your characters will grow, develop, and your original plot may take unexpected turns. Rose Tremain notes that the ending of a book “has to be earned by all that will go before it”.
Don’t Be Too Wordy But Don’t Be Boring
One of the first ways to drive a reader off is to use long, confusing sentences or over-describe scenes. Everyone wants to be immersed into the world a writing takes them into but they don’t want to know the type of wallpaper and carpeting in every scene they read. If you are writing a technical piece, keep your wording as simple as possible so readers can easily understand.
However, fiction writers, don’t keep it so simple that it is boring or completely devoid of description. In addition, though, use the artistic wording, even when keeping it short. As Anton Chekhov said, “Don’t tell me the moon is shining; show me the glint of light on broken glass.”
Practice
Just like playing a sport or learning an instrument, even a naturally talented writer needs to practice. You can’t expect to write once every few years and see dramatic improvement. If you can set aside some time every day to write, do it.
Your daily writing doesn’t have to be your next novel or journalistic masterpiece. It could be as simple as a journal or even using writing prompts. The Story Shack is a great place for specific prompts but if you really want to get creative, this website will just give you the first line of your story.
What Do These Tips Offer You?
So, you have these tips but what happens if you use them? Well, the obvious happens; you improve yourself as a writer. None of these will work overnight, though, so you will have to keep at it. From essayists to novelists, writing doesn’t come easily for most people and you need to practice it as if the pen you’re holding is a guitar or a baseball bat.
Summary
Whether you came here with the hopes of finding essay help or dreams of fame, these tips are going to help you on your way. First, learn from those who came before you. There are many writers who have gone down in history for good reason and there is plenty to learn from the works they graced us with.
However, you also need to practice yourself too. No one is perfect, whether it is the first time they sit down to write or 20 books into their career, everyone needs to practice. What you need to remember, though, is even if you are successful, there is always room for improvement.
In addition, don’t forget grammar. This is the part of your writing that separates an imaginative writer and an intelligent one. At the end of the day, though, the most important thing you can remember is that these rules are here to help you refine your craft, not write your essays and stories for you.
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