23 Ways to Become a Better Writer
Over the life of this blog I have written many writing hints and given plenty of ideas for writing stories. They have been well received and commented upon.
Scott Ginsberg has written a light-hearted article called 23 Ways to Become a Better Writer. It may read lighthearted and appear to be simple and easy to follow, but his suggestions are seriously great. Even if you only follow several of his suggestions your writing will improve. Why not even implement one each day for a few weeks?
It can’t do any harm. Taking a risk like this is certain to help you with your writing.
How can my writing sparkle?
The web is about words. No matter how visual and audible it becomes, it continues to be about the words.Blogging is about writing. Many claim that content is king. If content is king, then the army that protects and defends the king is the written word. (Lorelle VanFossen)
It remains true that the web is certainly about words. Billions of the little critters. It is no longer a web but a very crowded maze.
- If you want your words to stand out then they have to be good.
- If you want your words to be good, then they must be readable.
- If you want your words to be readable then you have to take care and make sure they are the best you can write.
- If you want your words to be the best you can write you have put in the effort to make sure that they shine with a polish that is sparkling.
How do you make your words sparkle?
Over the last year or so I have been regularly posting articles about writing hints on this blog. In all there are now over 80 articles where I write about these writing hints (click here or go to the Contents or Categories on the sidebar). Reading these articles would be a good starting point. As you read through the hints, make a note or a list of those that you can put into practice over the coming days. As you work on these hints your writing should improve.
The quote at the top of this article was written by Lorelle VanFossen. In her article called Blogging is about writing Lorelle lists 30 ways of improving the writing on your blog. Many of these tips apply to general writing too. Many apply to novel and story writing, non-fiction, magazine articles and so on. The list she has written is worth printing out and sticking somewhere prominent where you can read through it often – and put the hints into practice.
Getting Noticed by Publishers
Most writers want to be published.
That is a given. Of course, not all writing is for general publication; my personal journal may only ever be read by me (and possibly my children after I’ve departed this world). But the fact remains that most writers have a deep desire to be published, to have their words read and appreciated, to make some difference in this crazy world through their words and even make a little money from their writing.
The path to publication is a rocky, winding road strewn with pitfalls, deep valleys of despair and hidden disasters lurking around every corner. How can one get published then? And not go crazy?
Here are some suggestions which may work for you:
- Start a blog like this one and share your writing with the world.
- Read books or magazines about how to improve your writing.
- Read books or magazines about how to get published.
- Attend seminars, workshops and conferences for writers that will help your progress.
- Read web sites or blogs about writing – there is a wealth of information in the archives section of this blog – just go to the sidebar.
There is another way that I must admit that I haven’t tried. There are a few web sites being developed where you can submit your writing online for publishers to read. If they like what they see they will contact you and then publish your work.
One such site, based here in Australia, is called Writers Now Online. It is well worth checking it out; it may well be your path to getting published.
Writers now Online is a space for people who love writing in all categories: short stories, novels, scripts, poetry, love, politics, culture, religion, animals, travel, science. We are looking for passionate people, who want to express through their writing, feelings, dreams, ideas and visions.
Publish with us NOW and share your work with others!
Writers Now Online is a space also for publishers, who are looking for interesting stories everyday. Your story could be one of them. In that case: you get paid!
Writers now Online promotes your stories with publishing companies in Australia, United States of America and Europe through monthly newsletters.
Related articles:
- The Writer’s Toolbox
- How to be a successful blogger or writer – or whatever
- Eight Steps to getting published.
- Writing hints – over twenty articles with heaps of hints about writing and how to get published.