Seven Tips to Grow as a Writer
My original blog, Musings, has over 500 posts, totaling about 130,000 words, enough for two or three books. While many posts wouldn’t make for good book content, about half of them have potential. So, I’ve taken the best ones and organized them by topic to repurpose as a book, called Woodpecker Wars.
[I’ve since re-titled and republished Woodpecker Wars as Bridging the Sacred-Secular Divide., available wherever books are sold.]
I’ve enjoyed reading my past work. I’m also editing as I read, because I’m now a better writer than when I first penned them. What an amazing realization. I didn’t know my writing was improving, but looking at my work from a few years ago shows that has happened. How affirming.
Here’s what I think contributed to my improvement:
1. Write Every Day
I start every day with at least an hour of writing, usually more. I write when I want to and when I don’t. I write when I’m inspired and when I’m dry.
2. Blog Regularly
Popping out four or more blog posts every week (I have multiple blogs) means I’m always looking for ideas, frequently turning them into short essays, and meeting deadlines.
3. Attend a Critique Group
Giving feedback to other writers and receiving input from them is critical to hone our craft. Some groups are better than others; look for one that is both nurturing and honest.
4. Read Books
Understanding how others put ideas into words and construct paragraphs provides fodder for our writing. Their work, style, and voice inform ours.
5. Evaluate Other Writers
Aside from being a critique group member and working as a magazine editor, I sometimes have the opportunity to read new and not-yet-published writers. Giving some of myself to them requires I remain sharp so I can provide them with value.
6. Attend Writing Conferences
Being in the company of other writers is a treasure. At writing conferences, there is the opportunity to learn from others who are further ahead of us on this writing journey and encourage those who are not as far. We must give and receive; both are rich experiences.
7. Work to Improve
A key item is simply striving to get better. For a couple of decades, I sought to write with greater speed. And I did get faster, but I didn’t get much better. If we are to improve, we need to focus on it.
May your writing improve as you apply these tips.
Learn more about writing and publishing in Peter’s book: Successful Author FAQs: Discover the Art of Writing, the Business of Publishing, and the Joy of Wielding Words. Get your copy today.
Peter Lyle DeHaan is an author, blogger, and publisher with over 30 years of writing and publishing experience. Check out his book Successful Author FAQs for insider tips and insights.