How Do You Become a Better Writer?

How Do You Become a Better Writer?

Posted on 28. Sep, 2010 by Writer in On Writing

I am not here to tell you how to become a better writer; I am really just soliciting advice.  I don’t know how to use commas, I have a tendency to write in the passive voice, and I am not sure if I should have used a semi-colon in the first sentence or if I should have just reworded the sentence so I didn’t have to worry about it being wrong in the first place.

Being informally trained in writing, I constantly worry about my writing style (if I have one yet) and am still freaked out that people are actually reading what I write although I am quickly getting over it.  I’ve had several articles published in both print and online publications now, but have gotten very little in terms of feedback on my writing and I am craving some.

All of my writing experience up until a year ago was of a technical nature.  I can whip up a methods section for a research study just like that, but when it comes to narrative, I am lost.  A couple of years ago I signed up for a community narrative writing class, but I was so fearful of criticism and having anyone read my work that I bailed after only one class.

Lately I’ve taken to rereading some of my favorite books and copying the most memorable passages into a notebook.  I am trying to read like a writer and figure out what it is about their way with words that keeps me reading.  I’ve also thought about signing up for that same writing class again – it seemed like it was going to be a good one.

For years I have thought about attending the Confluence Literary Festival in Moab and this year I finally signed up. I am attending a writer’s workshop with adventure travel writer, Craig Childs and can hardly contain my excitement.  I have never attended a writing workshop and have no idea what to expect, but hell I can’t think of a better way to throw myself out there.

What do you do to become a better writer? All suggestions and ideas appreciated.

[Photo courtesy of Nic McPhee]

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One Response to “How Do You Become a Better Writer?”

  1. JoAnna

    29. Sep, 2010

    Writing is never in a state of perfection; we can all afford to practice it more. Reading good writing is one of the best ways to become a better writer yourself. Setting your work aside for a couple days before rereading and editing it is another way to disconnect from and critically review it. And don’t be afraid to ask those you trust for feedback on your writing.

    Also, while good grammar is important, it is even more important to write with your style. Yes, we all have to be versatile to meet the needs of our audiences, but you have a voice, and don’t be afraid to let that voice out.

    And for what it’s worth, you did use that semi-colon correctly.

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