6 unexpected strategies for honing your writing skills
Ready to become a better writer, for free? Dive into these unconventional tips that'll help you shine in your creative ventures!
Looking for writing advice to elevate your game? Keep reading to learn how to hone your writing skills without breaking the bank.
Embrace the Familiar: Read, But Differently (And Not Just Books)
I'm starting with the obvious one. As Stephen King said, "If you don't have time to read, you don't have time to write." But the reading material doesn't always have to be classic or academic.
Gobble up books, novels, and articles. Explore the past and present, fiction and non-fiction, and read just about anything that catches your eye. Remember, what works for a modern reader might not be found in the classics – and who says you're limited to them?
Need some helping hands with the craft of writing? Don't remember the last time you read about it in a novel? Craft books are your friends, offering valuable insights into writing that could save you a heck of a lot of time.
Peek into Others' Lives: Documentaries, TV Shows, and Biographies Aren't Off-limits
Draw inspiration from real life, dive into documentaries, TV series, or reality shows, and learn how people live, love, and interact with each other.
From the most culturally significant to the most vulgar – all can offer valuable lessons for your writing. Don't expect to learn everything from the classics; sometimes the most intriguing stories come from the most unexpected places.
Chat Away: Talk to Friends, Strangers, and Online Communities
Engage in conversations with your fellow humans, ask questions, and listen. Good stories can be found in the most unexpected places, especially when you're not even looking for them.
Join online writing communities, participate in forums, and don't hesitate to strike up a conversation with someone you find interesting. You might never know when a word or phrase from someone's life story can inspire your next masterpiece.
Expand Your Horizons: Learn New Things (Not Always Related to Writing)
Say yes to learning new skills, even if they're not obviously related to writing. Challenge yourself and explore diverse topics. Your writer's brain will thank you, and who knows? Your characters might become moreThree-dimensional as a result.
Learn a musical instrument, pick up photography, or start cooking – whatever sparks your interest, grab it and run with it. You might even stumble upon a unique perspective or idea that'll make your writing stand out.
Unleash Your Creativity: Join an Online Writing Group or Start Your Own
Writing can feel solitary, but that doesn't mean you have to be a hermit. Connect with other writers, share your work, and receive feedback. You don't always have to seek out a professional writing group – hop online and connect with writers just starting out like yourself, or chat with people you find interesting on social media.
Get Inspired: Look for Inspiration in the Everyday
Inspiration doesn't always need a muse – sometimes it's right there in front of you. Keep your eyes open, your ears attuned, and your mind receptive. Inspiration can come from the strangest and seemingly mundane places.
Be curious, ask questions, and jot down interesting observations and ideas. Store them away for later, and you'll never find yourself staring at a blank page with nothing to say.
Put Down the Phone: Unplug, Take a Walk, and Let Your Mind Wander
Give your brain a break – phone-free – and let your mind wander. Going for a walk or just sitting in a park can work wonders for jump-starting your creativity.
Writing can feel like a constant struggle, but establishing dedicated time to think and breathe can help break through writer's block and bring forth new ideas.
Take Care of Yourself: Physical Health and Wellness Affect Your Writing
Taking care of your body can help you take better care of your writing. Focus on creating a healthy lifestyle, one that allows you to write for longer periods without causing strain or discomfort.
Writing can be a drain on both the mind and body, so be sure to take breaks, stretch, and hydrate, and avoid sacrificing your physical health for the sake of writing.
The Real Work Begins: Apply What You've Learned
Knowledge is only valuable if you put it into practice. Make it a habit to apply your learning, whether it comes from a book, article, craft book, or mentor.
Consistent practice will help you improve your writing skills, so jump into the writing process and don't hesitate to try something new.
Reach for the Stars: Join Protagonist Crafters on Facebook for Writing Tips, Support, and Community
Need a little more guidance on your writing journey? Join Protagonist Crafters on Facebook, a community of writers dedicated to supporting, learning, and growing together.
Happy writing!
- Advanced writers can find inspiration in unexpected places, like reality shows, documentaries, and biographies, which offer a unique insight into human lives and interactions.
- For beginner writers seeking writing tips, online communities and forums can be a valuable resource, providing a platform to learn, share, and receive feedback from fellow writers.
- Embrace a lifestyle that encourages learning new skills, whether they're directly related to writing or not, as these experiences can enrich the lives of characters and ideas within creative writing.
