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Where did you learn how to write well?
I'm wanting to improve my writing skills, mostly for my own website, blog posts and other content pieces I plan to publish. I feel like my voice/personality gets lost a little bit once I put pen to paper, or fingers to keyboard. Do you have any recommendations/resources on learning how to write better?
Amy BarzdukasTech marketing leader
249
07/16/20 at 7:52PM UTC
Yes on reading -- read a LOT. Not just fiction. Read what is on the cereal box, read the advertisements, read magazines. Covid has given me the chance to finally complete each issue of the New Yorker, Atlantic, and Economist that arrive regularly before the next one comes! And yes on practice and feedback.
A good thing to do to test your writing is to read what you have written outloud. That is a great acid test to see if you sound natural or if things sound stilted or confusing.
Good luck!
Caitlin Maddock-BahrSocial Media and Digital Strategy Manager
24
07/16/20 at 7:02PM UTC
Love this thread! I'm in marketing and write social/web content daily. I will echo a lot of these comments already submitted, but here's what I find useful:
- Creative writing or speaking courses, even something like Toastmasters.
- Reading can help you find your own voice/style.
- Find websites, blogs, videos, etc. that you love and see what common threads are there that inspire you. Look at campaigns and brands that are killing it - see what ideas or words those spark in you.
- Write write write - then walk away. Then come back and read it out loud like you are saying it on TV or the radio. How does it flow? Edit edit edit - then walk away again.
- Always get at least one other person to proofread your work. Always.
- Keep a notebook handy (nightstand, kitchen island, side table, desk, wherever) and jot down ideas when they strike you, then revisit them later.
- Start with bullet points or an idea outline and then fill in the copy as it comes to you.
- For blogs, do your keyword research FIRST then write around the keywords - don't stuff them in after the fact.
- Try giving yourself writing prompts, but then record yourself speaking the responses like you were talking to a friend. Use that audio to start your draft text.
- I know I already said editing, but seriously, editing. Keep writing, keep editing, that's the very best way to keep growing. You're painting with your words ;) it's a skill built over time.
Serrina BowserBusiness Building, SEO, & Marketing Specialist
50
07/16/20 at 3:24AM UTC
Honestly, for me, it's being well read. And Grammarly. Always, Grammarly. There is a keyboard, website, and Chrome extension. The pro version has options to set how you want your content's voice to sound and it helps with more things like sentence structure.
Eva Jannotta (she/her)Amplify your influence.
171
07/15/20 at 2:40AM UTC
I love this question! What helps me hone my writing is learning about writing (I've learned a lot from Ann Handley, for example) and noticing themes in the writing I most admire.
Annie LimWriter/Editor in NYC area
580
07/14/20 at 8:11PM UTC
I recommend reading not only a lot but also a variety of materials, particularly ones featuring unique, strong voices. Then, you can try out those writers' styles when you're practicing writing and shaping your own voice. This isn't necessarily copying as eventually you will discover what's most YOU and what you're comfortable with. Use THAT voice for your blog once you're happy with it!
User deleted comment on 07/14/20 at 7:23PM UTC
Gwyn GaubatzUser-Obsessed Product Manager
45
07/14/20 at 6:08PM UTC
+1 to what everybody has said above re: reading voraciously, and practicing, of course.
The one thing that has made the biggest impact for me is when I was finally able to embrace editing. It's gotten to the point where I sort of dislike writing, but deeply enjoy editing - I think of my first draft as dumping out some raw materials, and multiple editing passes as the process that turns it into a valuable piece of work. When I considered my first draft as representative of my writing skills/what I had to offer, I tended to feel defensive and wary of constructive criticism, which made me less likely to improve.
Things that help me self-edit and revise include: (1) stepping away from a draft for some time to come back with fresh eyes, (2) reading my drafts aloud to catch awkward or clunky phrasing, or transitions that don't flow as effectively as I intended (as well as typos and spelling/grammar misses!), (3) looking for opportunities to cut redundancies, add illustrative examples, expand on weak points and clarify my point of view or core message.
I think the "write like you are talking to a friend" approach is GREAT to generate a lot of rough content and express all your thoughts and ideas in a voice that feels natural. Then, when editing, think about the audience you are trying to reach, and what you are trying to accomplish with the piece - state an opinion? share advice? inform? etc. And start revising to shape your words around that goal. Asking for peer review can help in this stage, especially if you are specific in your asks; don't just say, "what did you think?" but consider what will help you assess the efficacy of your piece, and potentially improve it. Questions like, "what do you think this is trying to convey?" and asking a reader to repeat back your main points can help determine if your thesis is clear or inscrutable. Ask your peer reviewer to poke at areas of text that were awkward or confusing, that raised questions that weren't answered, or appeared contradictory. And also get feedback on what they liked! Getting concrete feedback on what turns of phrase are appealing, when the voice feels authentic, or which arguments stand out as especially persuasive or clearly stated will help increase your confidence as a writer while directing your focus the the areas that may need redevelopment or revision.
Good luck!
Steph McDonaldRecruiter doing cool things at Zapier
299
07/14/20 at 5:14PM UTC
The easiest way is to read. A lot. Like, every day and not just social media. Read books on writing, read books on anything. If it's published by an author, it can teach you something. Even if it's "oh, I don't get what they are saying" or "oh, their use of a simile there really brought home the point". Oh, and get a good friend to edit your work. Lastly, pay for Grammarly. Small investment, huge gains.
Sarah LarsonImproving lives by implementing research.
436
07/14/20 at 4:44PM UTC
I agree with most of the other comments here, practice and feedback. If you're looking for a place to start, start a blog. Make content, the more content you make, the more practice you get.
Linda AhlskogGraphic Designer in Charlotte
47
07/14/20 at 12:05PM UTC
On top of practice, feedback! I have a lot of friends who are writers or English majors and I will send things to them for their opinions and feedback. Of course, you want to make sure to send it to people who will give you useful critique and not just praise. Also, I've found reading has helped my writing a lot. Read writers that you like their literary voice, it helps inspire and teach you different ways to write. In terms of resources, I think many authors have tips. I know Neil Gaiman has a website where he shares tips and inspiration.
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