Journal logo

7 Ways To Level Up Your Writing

level up your writing by following these 7 steps

By Kari OakleyPublished 4 years ago 3 min read
Like

Writers are always striving to do better; as they must. Whether you write articles for a newspaper or full-length novels, you should always be trying to improve your craft and better your writing. There are lots of ways to do that, here are just a few.

Read Widely

It's been said before and it will be said again. The best way to learn to be a better writer is by reading and reading widely. Read extensively within your target genre, but also make sure to read outside your target genre to pick up tricks and creative applications. Reading is one of the best tools you have to improve your writing.

Read Critically

If you want to accelerate the benefits you get from reading and reading widely, then read with an eye to critique. What is working in this piece and why? How can you imitate it and apply it to your own work? Just as importantly, note where the writing isn't working and try to figure out both why it doesn't work and how you can make it work better.

Get an Education

One way to encourage yourself to read more and to read more critically is through further education. A masters in literacy online can teach you a lot about both reading and writing. On top of that, it's a great place to meet people who share your interests and goals. Don't think of these people as competitors, rather consider them as resources.

Use the Buddy System

Even if you don't have the time or the funds to invest in an education, everyone can use the buddy system. There are countless platforms and forums where writers uplift each other through shared accountability, critiquing and even simple commiseration. A good writing support group is worth its weight in gold.

Get Editorial Help

Another thing that's worth its weight in gold is a good editor. The right editor for you is someone who understands your thinking but can also bring a fresh eye and a fresh perspective to your work. Don't fall into the trap of imagining that writing is by its nature a solitary profession. It isn't, and in fact your writing will likely be vastly improved if you have the right support, including editorial support. That said, a good editor can be hard to find, and they deserve to be paid what they're worth. If you're thinking of hiring an editor, remember to budget for it.

Trial and Error

Ultimately, writing is a lot of trial and error. As you grow and change, you will likely find that this trial and error process is an ongoing one. Different genres, different books and even different parts of the same story will almost certainly require different approaches. What works for other writers will not work for you and what works for you will not necessarily work for other writers, so keep that in mind. Be prepared to try a lot of things that don't work and be just as prepared to learn something from that experience and apply it later elsewhere.

Take a Break

Last and most importantly: don't forget to be kind to yourself. Sometimes you will need a break, that's just how it works. You can't drive on an empty tank and writing is the same way. If you're out of writing steam, don't force yourself, that won't do anyone any good. Take a break and recharge. Reading, studying and even activities like travel can be great ways to restock the empty shelves of your creativity. A lot of times what we call writer's block is actually a sign that you need to rest up, recharge or try something entirely new.

The thing about any effort to improve your writing is that different strategies will work at different times in your life. You have to be ready and willing to adjust, adapt and try new things as you continue to improve your craft. That's part of what makes writing so challenging, and so fun.

how to
Like

About the Creator

Kari Oakley

Kari Oakley is a fitness trainer from Kenosha Wisconsin. She now lives in downtown Chicago, and loves to get out. She is a big fan of anything adventure, and loves getting a workout in the outdoors.

Reader insights

Be the first to share your insights about this piece.

How does it work?

Add your insights

Comments

There are no comments for this story

Be the first to respond and start the conversation.

Sign in to comment

    Find us on social media

    Miscellaneous links

    • Explore
    • Contact
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms of Use
    • Support

    © 2024 Creatd, Inc. All Rights Reserved.