Writing is big business. Many writers dream of great success. But the bulk of writers earn just enough to meet their own needs. Many other writers are just passionate and receive satisfaction from setting words from their minds onto a blank page. However, there’s no reason why a writer should not be passionate and grow rich from their craft. A good writer needs to continually become better in his writing.
Here are 5 steps to becoming a better writer.
1. Take a writing course
Some people have a natural writing talent. However, any talent that is not sharpened is like money buried in the soil – it never grows. Taking a good writing course is a sure way to becoming a better writer. A well-structured course will boost one’s confidence as you reach your key milestones.
2. Make writing a daily habit
Do you know someone who locks themselves in a room and churns out page after page of awesome work? Afterwards, they go for days, weeks or even months without producing anything until the next deadline. Sounds like you in college? Unfortunately, this method of writing will end up making you a moribund and disillusioned writer even if you are greatly talented.
Writing is a habit just like any other. Every day, set some time apart to write something. One does not even need a computer to create this habit. Simple journaling with your pen and diary is enough writing practice. As writing becomes a strong habit, begin to set daily, weekly, monthly or even quarterly word count targets.
3. Read widely
A good writer is a good reader. A good writer reads widely. In fact, a good writer reads even old works that are sometimes, honestly, very boring. Imagine reading Ngugi wa Thiong’o’s ‘The River Between’, Alan Paton’s ‘Cry, the Beloved Country’ or Solomon Northup’s ‘12 years a slave.’ (Alternatively, you could always wait for the movie release). I hope you get the point - reading is an indispensable habit for a writer.
4.As much as possible, get a mentor
Getting a mentor sounds cliché but it is true. Everyone requires someone who will guide them. A mentor doesn’t necessarily have to be a writer. A mentor is a person who looks out for you and has your interests at heart. A mentor helps one avoid the many pitfalls in writing.
5. Eliminate cliches from your copy
The world generates huge amounts of articles and texts. Due to global interconnectedness, there are many phrases, sentences and word that have become overused. For example, ‘sticking out like a sore thumb’ sounds nice but it has been overused. It can give an impression of one as a lazy writer. Taking a good writing course will challenge you to develop a personal writing style using uniquely constructed phrases.
Writing is big business. It pays well and it can only get better with time. A writer needs to continually improve and sharpening his skills. There is no shortcut to becoming a good writer.
