How I improve my writing skills
I’ll start off by saying how I should practice my writing skills, which is daily writing prompts. I know this in my brain, but I never do it. I took a creative writing class in college and the professor told us how when she was a college student taking a creative writing class, her professor made them do writing prompts - and they all bitterly complained. She then proceeded to make us do writing prompts - and we all bitterly complained. A few years ago I even bought a book of 5 minute writing prompts...which I used for approximately one week and then dropped entirely. Writing prompts are the static lunges of creative writing practice. They are helpful, they strengthen your muscles, and I hate them. I’m getting better about doing lunges more consistently, but I’m not there yet with the writing prompts.
Until I pull it together, here are some things I do to improve my writing skills:
Using a thesaurus. And I don’t mean a thesaurus online, all sleek and efficient. I mean a crumbling Roget’s printed in the 60’s. When I’m in the editing phase of a project I keep that thing within arm’s reach at all times.
Studying sentence structure. Not just basic grammar and syntax (though I do firmly believe that knowing the rules is essential before breaking them), but how paragraphs are laid out on the page. It also means paying attention to how dialogue is organized, speech tags, etc. I found that once I started writing, the way I read books completely changed.
Reading books by people who are much better writers than me. Iron sharpens iron, and when I read books that challenge and excite me, it makes me want to raise my game for my own sake, as well as the sake of my readers.
Paying attention to my own emotions when reading or watching movies. This sounds super corny and hokey, but it does help me. I love it when I’m completely caught up in what’s happening in a book or movie, and I try to identify what’s so captivating. Is it a nonstop plot? An amazing setting? A particularly complex character? A fantastic will-they-won’t they romance arc? I want to dissect everything. A great story can transport me like nothing else, and I want to provide that experience for others!
What are your best tips for improving writing skills? Even better, what have you tried that doesn’t work? I’d love to hear it!