9 Pro-Level Tips That Will Actually Help You Write Better

You may wonder why it's 9 tips and not some round number like 10 or 15.

Truth is, I had a plethora of tips. But after reading them all, noodling on them for a bit, and then going into edit mode, I realized that I was violating one of the cardinal rules of writing.

That less is more.

But look, writing can be challenging. And, despite what those late-night infomercials tell you, no one-size-fits-all solution will magically make you a better writer. But never fear! I've compiled a list of 9 tips that might help you write better.

So grab yourself a cup of coffee and settle in for some serious writing advice - I promise it won't be boring!

Read, read, and read some more

Picking up a book and diving into another world is always exhilarating; what could be better than taking a break from your own reality and journeying in another?

Reading has so many benefits besides the obvious escape. It enriches our understanding of literature, fuels creativity, can improve our vocabulary, and sharpens our minds. It's no wonder that people like Mark Twain deemed it "the greatest benefit books confer." If you haven't made reading part of your daily schedule...why not try it out? The possibilities are endless - from legends to thrillers, children's books to informational text.

So grab yourself a book, take a seat and turn the page.

Write what you know

Writing about what you know is an excellent practice for creative and academic writing.

Whether it's a blog post, an essay, or a story, the most engaging content often comes from personal knowledge and experience. The best part is that you can write on any topic, no matter how random - the only prerequisite is that you feel compelled to share it with others. You never know who out there will gain something valuable from what you offer - plus, having that influence over others makes writing all the more worthwhile.

Edit ruthlessly

If you want to make sure your writing stands out and has the "wow" factor, then you need to approach it ruthlessly.

Don't be afraid to delete whole sentences or even entire paragraphs if they don't have sufficient impact. Sure, your inner perfectionist may be screaming to fix that last typo or rephrase that sentence for the twentieth time… but if it really isn't essential for getting across your message, then hit the delete button as hard as possible. Rewriting and editing can take forever, so be strict and eliminate anything that isn't good enough. That should help you create a piece that catches the reader's attention.

Use an active voice

An active voice is powerful and engaging.

It helps to pack a punch in conversation and even more so on the page. Whether you're writing a blog post or telling a funny joke, using an active voice can bring your words to life. Active sentences show energy, strength, and enthusiasm - three things that make any piece of writing a great read.

So next time you sit down to type away, remember to actively make your point - it will surely grab the attention of anybody in your path.

Vary your sentence structure

Writing doesn't have to be boring.

Adding variation to your sentence structure is one way to make writing more fun and engaging. After all, who wants to read a bunch of identical sentences repeatedly? Breaking up your blocks of text with shorter, snappier sentences can add life to your paragraph. You might even surprise yourself by discovering a new style of writing in the process. Of course, it's important not to let things get out of hand.

Be sure to keep an eye on your grammar and spelling, too - there's no need for schadenfreude when it comes to writing.

Use concrete images

A picture paints a thousand words, and like the great impressionist painters, you can paint an engaging image with your words to make your message stand out.

By creating vivid, concrete images in your writing, you can capture the interest and imagination of any reader. With this method of storytelling, you'll take them on a journey as powerful and multi-dimensional as any masterpiece painted with brush strokes. Whether it's describing sights, smells, or feelings, these ideas will become unforgettable for readers as they relive these experiences through your narrative.

Go ahead—grab that brush and get creative.

Be yourself

Looking through a sea of people, it can be all too easy to feel like you just don't fit in.

Here's the thing, though - that's totally okay.

The best and boldest thing you can do is just be yourself. When you show your true colors, many incredible things can happen. You'll find friends who appreciate the real you, discover qualities you didn't even know existed within yourself, and build lifelong relationships founded on trust and friendship.

So laugh until it hurts, dance like nobody's watching, and never apologize for being unique. After all, if everyone were the same, life would get pretty boring rather quickly!

Don't be afraid to experiment

Experimenting can be one of the most rewarding activities, both personally and professionally.

It can push our boundaries, reveal hidden passions, and help us to explore new opportunities. Don't be intimidated by trying something new; it's a great way to learn more about yourself and discover what you're capable of doing. Embrace risk-taking as an adventure, as a journey filled with rewards.

Life is too short to stick with the status quo when you have limitless growth potential—so don't be afraid to color outside the lines and take yourself out of your comfort zone.

Keep writing

If you're stuck in a writer's rut, just keep writing.

It may not feel like it now, but consistent writing will help you discover your natural storytelling rhythm and position you for greater success. Self-discipline is important here, too; make sure to write even when the creative juices aren't flowing - because that's when inspiration can find you. Writing is a great way to express yourself, and with continual practice, your work can only get better.

So don't give up - keep writing until an idea hits and watch your storytelling dreams come true.

The final word

Want to make sure your writing is on the cutting edge?

Follow these nine tips, and you're well on your way. From reading voraciously to taking risks in your work, becoming a great writer is within your reach. So what are you waiting for? Roll up your sleeves and get started. And if you want to learn more about how to improve your craft, be sure to check out our weekly tips.

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