CAN YOU WRITE BETTER?

In my more than ten years as a professional writer, I have often been asked how one can  become a better writer. This demonstrates that there are people who recognise that sound writing skills advance their careers.

Good writing skills aids you in boosting memory and retaining material. It also facilitates analytical thinking which is useful in many careers. 
How then can you become a better writer? Writing is ten per cent inspiration and ninety per cent perspiration.” If there are “tips” to good writing, here are some:

Practice: There is no short-cut to good writing, you have to practice and practice more.

Read: The other way is to read widely what other good writers, authors, journalists have written. Note well what they have written and how. Of course, you cannot be a good writer if you don’t write just as you become an athlete without training.

Think: Many writers jump into writing just because they have a good idea. They then run out of material midway and the mind goes blank. The very first step is to think about your topic. This is the hardest part in writing because it requires focus and discipline.  But a good idea must be supported by good and strong thoughts.

Plan: How are you going to write your work? Will you follow the traditional approach of introduction, explanation and conclusion? Will you compare and contrast two subjects? A plan is the map that helps you to know where you are going. You can also list your points and make a rough outline. 

Dig: The next step is to research for material on your writing topic. You can research online or in normal libraries. Before you start writing, gather your material just like a good cook gathers the ingredients before starting to cook.

Make a Draft: Make a rough draft – writing your ideas down as they come without bothering to edit or correct them. Then revise to make your writing better. If necessary rearrange your thoughts on what you want to say. This works better when you have lots of time to invest in the writing.

Edit:The last step is to edit.  If possible, no writer should edit their work. Ask a competent person to edit your work. If not, do it yourself carefully lest you gloss over the same mistakes. If you have the time, edit the piece after a few days or a week. This will give you a fresh insight.

You are on your to writing better if you follow these tips and back them up with loads of practice.