For some, writing effectively is as simple of a task as breathing. For others, writing is like a car that keeps stalling and really doesn’t ever seem to get going smoothly. Have you ever wished that you could improve your writing skills? If your writing is more like the stalled automobile, don’t let that stop you. You can improve your writing skills just by using the following tips.

Do a quick reminder course about nouns, verbs, adverbs, conjunctions and prepositions. If you want to write well, it’s important to know what they are and how to use them properly. When you write using proper spelling and grammar it can make a difference in your perceived credibility as a writer. It is true of all of us, we get turned off to what we are reading if the author has made an obvious writing mistake. Make it a habit to confidently write. If needed, use a spell checker when you can and when in doubt: look it up.

This may sound backwards, but to be a good writer, you need to be a good reader. Try to read something everyday. Expand your knowledge by reading different types of writing. If you are primarily a fiction reader, start reading the newspaper or non-fiction books. Read articles online versus magazine articles and see if you notice the differences in writing styles. If you happen to read something that you really enjoy, study the article or story. Use the tips you find to improve your own writing. On the other hand, when you read something you don’t care for, make mental notes of the mistakes the writer made and try to avoid them when you sit down to write. By all means give yourself permission to break the rules provided it provides impact to your writing.

Just like any skill, practice is what makes the difference between novice and pro. Writing something everyday, even something as short as a few sentences can improve your writing over time. There are many websites targeted to writers that offer daily writing exercises. For example, they may ask you to write the opening paragraph of a action story one day and the next day they could ask you to write a “how-to paragraph” about butter churning. Experimenting with different writing genres will greatly improve your writing style.

Keep what you write and review it every once in awhile. You will see how your abilities have changed with practice. As your skill and confidence grow, you will find that writing becomes easier and more enjoyable.


- Robert Paul Williams

I’ve been searching a few weeks now for a site with fantasy writing prompts or free-writes to have fun with. I’ve found quite a few wonderful sites that have fictional writing prompts, but I was wondering if anyone knew of a site that dealt with the fantasy genre. Thank you so much for your help! I really appreciate it : )!
- Oughterard

I’ve been looking for a site that would have all of these in one place and that contains fresh and not outdated info on markets and creative writing contests. Any suggestions?
- Lara

If you write something wonderful from a creative writing exercise, are you allowed to publish it? How do you credit your source?
- maraso

For the serious teen and adult writer, not goofy teacher websites full of useless things like “Why are you proud of your country?”
- Roxiie

Around Christmas I saw this book at Barnes and Noble. It has a black cover. Inside, you are supposed to do things, like spill something on one page, tear out another page and make a paper airplane, draw a self-portrait on another. I cannot find the book online and have no idea what the title is. Any help would be great!
- Kate S

ok so i love writing but ive been very stressed lately and tired and i just cant gather any intelligent thoughts today. i need someone to help spark an idea in me please!? idk writing exercises or something? anything helpful will be greatly appreciated
- Greta

Anyone have any helpful tips on outlining a novel or writing a novel in general? I don’t want to say what the novel is about because I don’t want anyone to steal my idea. I am really motivated to start writing this and I am fully committed to doing all the reseach, outlinging..writing..drafting…revision…editing..etc…So, please don’t tell me that I’m too immature to write a novel if I have to ask for help. (this is the response i got from many when i asked similar questions before)

thanks so much in advance for any tips!!

writing exercises are also appreciated as well!! especially ones that can help with the development of characters..

well, thanks again!

Kiara
- Kiara

I have tried before… but the stories end up being like 30+ pages instead of 2 or 5 pages. I just seem to go into too much detail. And it kills me not to go in deep. So what do I do?

Are there any tips to help with this? writing exercises maybe?

I want to be able to write shorter stories. Thank you!
btw, i know i should have posted this in the books and authors section, but some of the ppl in there… are just straight out d*cks. Sorry, but they are. Ppl in here seem to be of more help.
- ??

I know about the writing prompts at Writer’s Digest, but I’m looking for other kinds. Have you had any creative writing assignments in a class or do you know of any, or can you think up some?
- MavistheMaven