5 Ways to Help You on Your Journey to Better Writing

Throughout history, countless individuals have risen to prominence through their remarkable achievements. One such individual was Benjamin Franklin, celebrated not only for his scientific endeavors but also for his prowess as a writer. Among his many accomplishments, he stood as one of the most respected writers of his time. However, it’s important to note that his journey to becoming a renowned writer was not without its challenges and setbacks.

Early on in his career, Benjamin Franklin found himself embroiled in an epistolary duel, a dispute conducted through letter writing. These exchanges were marked by arguments and disagreements. Intriguingly, his father stumbled upon these letters, an unexpected turn of events that would shape his path. His father, like any parent might, seized the opportunity to provide feedback on his writing. In a classic parental move, he didn’t hold back in expressing just how inadequate Benjamin’s writing skills were.

Receiving such criticism might prompt most people to become defensive or disheartened. But Benjamin Franklin took a different approach. He embraced this feedback and used it as a catalyst for growth. Rather than rejecting his father’s words, he took them to heart. He understood that improvement required intentional effort. Thus, he embarked on a quest to enhance his writing skills.

To achieve this, Benjamin Franklin began a deliberate journey of studying and analyzing writing. He sought out exemplary writing from various sources, eager to dissect and understand the mechanics that made them effective. This practice allowed him to refine his own writing, gradually molding his style into one that captivated readers and conveyed ideas powerfully.

While you may not have aspirations of becoming the most esteemed writer of your generation, the importance of refining your writing skills cannot be overstated. Effective writing serves as a cornerstone of professional growth and effective communication. Regardless of whether you’re crafting a cover letter or composing a novel, enhancing your writing abilities can greatly benefit your career and personal development.

Allow me to share five substantial tips that can contribute to your journey of becoming a more adept writer. These strategies encompass a range of aspects, from building a writing habit to improving the clarity and appeal of your writing.

Let’s delve into the realm of crafting captivating content. One crucial facet of creating compelling writing is infusing it with interest and vibrancy. To accomplish this, consider a quote that has stuck with me: “An interesting person is an interested person.” This concept rings true for writing as well. To make your writing engaging, you must first cultivate your own interests. This involves immersing yourself in a diverse range of experiences and seeking knowledge from various sources.

A powerful technique to achieve this is by reading extensively. As Cormac McCarthy eloquently expressed, “Books are made out of books.” Authors who wield the most captivating pens draw inspiration from a vast array of experiences and knowledge. When you confine yourself to a single genre or author, your writing might inadvertently become monotonous. Much like cooking, where an array of spices enhances flavor, diverse reading enriches your writing.

Incorporate an active engagement with what you read. When you encounter a phrase or passage that resonates with you, pause and contemplate how you would have written it. This exercise not only deepens your connection to the material but also nurtures your creative abilities. For me, I find joy in highlighting these impactful passages and saving them for future reflection.

Expanding your literary horizons serves as a foundation for developing your writing skills. However, this endeavor must be complemented by consistent practice, much like riding a bicycle. Building momentum in writing can be challenging, especially during the initial phase. Yet, just like riding a bicycle, once you overcome the resistance, a flow of creativity ensues.

Creating a writing ritual is an effective strategy to overcome this initial hurdle. By establishing a set of habits that signal your mind it’s time to write, you pave the way for a smoother transition into the writing process. Whether it’s designating a specific writing spot, donning noise-canceling headphones, or playing a particular playlist, these rituals prepare your mind for focused creativity.

Once you’ve surmounted the initial challenge of starting, maintaining writing momentum becomes essential. Similar to riding a bicycle, once you’re in motion, it’s easier to keep going. The flow you establish during a writing session is critical for generating creative ideas and translating them onto paper.

Here’s where the distinction between writing and editing comes into play. Editing while writing can disrupt your creative flow and hinder your progress. When you halt to correct errors or perfect sentences, you shift from a creative mindset to an analytical one. This shift can impede your momentum and prevent you from exploring your ideas freely.

Akin to mining for gold, writing requires excavating through layers of content to uncover gems of creativity. The initial draft is your excavation process, where you gather raw material without being overly concerned about perfection. Allow your ideas to flow freely, even if they appear messy or unpolished. The true refinement occurs during the editing phase.

Your writing will naturally evolve over multiple iterations, much like the metamorphosis of a concept from conception to realization. Attempting to craft a flawless first draft is an exercise in futility, as subsequent iterations will inevitably reshape your work. Consider the evolution of movies during production—take “Emperor’s New Groove,” which shifted from a serious concept to a lighthearted comedy. Embrace the fluidity of your writing and acknowledge that the final product will likely differ from its initial incarnation.

Transitioning to the editing phase, one invaluable technique is reading your work aloud. This practice grants you insight into the rhythm of your writing. You might think of writing as silent, but it’s more akin to music than you realize. Reading aloud exposes patterns in sentence structure and length, helping you identify opportunities to improve the flow of your writing.

Reading aloud also enforces a slower pace, allowing you to spot errors and awkward phrasings that might have eluded your attention when reading silently. It engages multiple senses, making it a powerful tool for polishing your work. While the process can initially feel awkward, its benefits far outweigh any initial discomfort.

As you proceed with refining your writing skills, simplicity emerges as a guiding principle. Williams Zinsser’s assertion that “The secret of good writing is to strip every sentence to its cleanest components” holds true. Strive for clarity and coherence by eliminating unnecessary complexity. Often, we’re inclined to employ complex words or verbose phrases to sound impressive. However, this can hinder comprehension and dilute your message.

Opt for clarity over complexity, choosing words that resonate with your readers. Your goal is effective communication, not the accumulation of ornate language. In the pursuit of conciseness, recall that adding color and depth to your writing is possible without overburdening it. Select words that enrich your content, avoiding redundancy and unnecessary embellishments.

As I conclude this exploration of writing improvement, remember that writing is an evolving journey. Much like Benjamin Franklin’s dedication to refining his skills, your growth as a writer hinges on consistent practice, engagement with diverse reading materials, and a commitment to honing your craft. Each step you take in this journey brings you closer to mastery, whether you aspire to become a celebrated author or simply wish to enhance your communication abilities.

If you’re intrigued by the intricacies of writing and eager to delve deeper, I encourage you to continue exploring, learning, and applying these principles. The path to excellence beckons, and each revision, each refinement, draws you nearer to becoming an exceptional writer.