What's The Best Way To Improve My Writing?

Question

I write non-fiction, and I'm readying myself to freelance: I'll write annual reports, brochures, press releases, etc. for companies, and articles for magazines. But, I want lively prose.

Should I read great wordsmiths like F. Scott Fitzgerald, columnists like William F. Buckley Jr., should I simply write ... or do I do them all?

Answer 1

Hi Guy,

You've got the basic idea correct, but I'd avoid the writers you mention. You don't want to read writers of fiction; you want good non-fiction writers. The problem with Buckley is that he never says in one word something he can say in ten. Moreover his style is designed to impress with big words that leave most readers in the dark. I've never understood why he has that pathological need to impress people with his vocabulary.

I'd stick with more modern writers of non-fiction. Read Tom Wolfe, Hunter Thompson, and take up a subscription to The New Yorker. You want to develop a punchy, pithy, and witty style -- these will help you hear what it sounds like.

Cheers. And good luck, mate.

Answer 2

I would recommend the following: Most importantly, spell correctly. Afterwards, keep the following in mind...

1) Use, logical and chronological sequences in your paragraphs.
2) Use a variety of titles for a human subject and avoid overusing pronouns or a name of something.
3) Use politically correct language.
4) Use complete, clearly understood words and abbreviations. Whenever you use an acronym, always provide the full descriptor the first time you use the title.
5) Vary your language styles and use words appropriate to the information you are writing. This is so you can capture and keep the attention of your readers.
6) Use accurate and complete sentences.
7) Use complete verb forms and punctuation; avoid short forms of words and avoid hyphenation.
8) Use positive statements; you want your readers to feel good about reading your books/writings.
9) Maintain consistency in your verb tenses and make sure you have subject-verb agreement.
10) If you quote other works, always give credit where credit is due.

I would recommend you also read the writings of other great writers. Read writings of those who write in the style you want to develop and you'll learn a lot from reading those writings.

Answer 3

Of course. When you write more, you try out more styles and experiment more on what writing sounds better and improve very quickly, but reading as well will speed this up. I find it difficult to write when I haven't read, because I forget the way of writing well if that makes sense. Do both if possible.

Answer 4

Its nice to have a little, "classic litterature" in the pocket...teaches you prose tricks...but the truth is you want to be known for YOU...develop your own style and experiemnt with newer ideas, likewise. I'm a writer myself, have 3 published books and have to say my readers have said they like MY style...let your writings reflect what you are.
Wish you the best of luck!

Answer 5

Follow your heart. What do you like to do the most? I suggest the variety you mentioned would make you a more well rounded writer.

Answer 6

wow, since u've got the talent, desire and drive then u can do it.improving your writing depends on how you see your talent and the kinds of complements you get.
just allow your talent to mature to the extent of producing lively prose.
hey watch it, think positive of your talent if you want to be able to produce lively prose and writing.
it is possible but it needs time!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Answer 7

Read read read read read. And read some more when you're done.

Reading helps vastly to see what mistakes you are making and how to improve yourself by comparing your own works with those of the supposed "professionals," they got to where they are by being good, so see for yourself how they did it.

Answer 8

do waz u know how 2 do best. be yourself