So you want to be a better writer...

…Well write more!

I’m kidding. Not really, but I’m sure you’re all tired of hearing that advice. Plus, we all have busy lives. Not all of us are lucky enough to write full-time, so we have to beg, borrow, and steal for a few moments a week to get words to paper.

With that in mind, I want to focus mostly on audio resources, though there is a book I would consider a must-have, which is listed at the bottom.

Without further ado...

Brandon Sanderson on Writing Science Fiction and Fantasy

I would not be surprised if, a decade from now, this series is as universally attributed as On Writing is. It’s wonderful in its simplicity and the best single resource available on the fundamentals of storytelling.

Brad Reed Writes

In a similar vein to Sanderson’s lecture series, this podcast focuses on the fundamentals in a shorter form to digest on the go.

This masterclass is a step up from the resources above. More academic in nature, but because of that, I consider it the next step in “Leveling Up” your skills.

Everyone knows reading is the key to great writing–and it’s great advice. Opinions on audiobooks differ, but I am of the firm opinion that they are integral to developing a third voice. On top of your author voice and your internal editor voice, audiobooks help you develop your narrator's voice. This is the voice that lets you take your words and read them back in the voice you want your reader to. Reading helps you develop skills in plot, prose, and characters, audiobooks help you develop tone.

The first book on the list. I am unabashedly bad when it comes to grammar, and this is the best resource on my shelf for grammar basics.

That comment box at the bottom of the page

If you want to be a better writer, you need to be engaged with both readers and other authors. When you engage, other creators are more likely to reciprocate. This gets you valuable feedback and keeps those dopamine receptors firing. Get addicted to your works in progress. Chase the high of getting a top story. Use the resources above to experiment with storytelling fundamentals. Keep creating. Practice and publish. Be open to feedback, and remember the person giving it isn’t always right. Admit when things could be better (shout out to Ashley Lima for pointing out how I used the same noun to define itself…).

These resources all represent a starting point. Always be learning, analyzing, studying, and reflecting on every piece you write and every piece you read. I would love to hear about any others that you use! Add them to the comments below.