Five Steps to Becoming a Better Writer

Writing is something many people can do, but what distinguishes a person who can write from a writer is their passion and drive for it. It’s not something you can do once and figure that’s all there is to it. Like most professions, the best way to becoming a better writer is to keep at it. There is a graphic that I stumbled upon that is entitled “10 Steps to Better Writing.” The ten steps are: “Write. Write more. Write even more. Write even more than that. Write even when you don’t want to. Write when you do. Write when you have something to say. Write when you don’t. Write every day. Keep writing.” Indeed, the key to writing is to keep writing all the time – after all, practice makes perfect! However, there are also a few other ways to becoming a better writer that involve slightly more than just writing all the time.

Here are five steps to becoming a better writer:

1. Write, write, write. Write every day if possible. The only way to become better at something is if you practice your craft.
2. Read. The best way to become a better writer is to read.
3. Reach out to other writers. Converse with them about the writing process and exchange works and swap critiques. It will keep your fire burning and inspire you both to live to your potential.
4. Build a platform. That’s the beauty of the Internet: there are a number of free-of-charge outlets you can write for. Start your own blog on Tumblr, WordPress, LiveJournal, whatever and write what you are passionate about. The great thing is, there’s always an audience online. You just have to reach out is all.
5. Be yourself. Develop your voice and be consistent. Write what you know to be true – it should reflect you.

Image via Getty