how can i become a better writer?

Question

in all aspects

Answer 1

Write - every day. Even if you think it's bad just keep writing. And as many have said - read. Even Stephen King will tell you if you can't read you can't write.

I would also suggested some websites - I myself am on a few:
http://com5.runboard.com/bmysticaladventures
http://com1.runboard.com/bthescribesmessageboard
http://www.bardstavern.com/bbs

The first two focus mostly on fantasy and literary fiction with some poetry and so fourth. But all three have "writing challenges" which are forced exercises such as writing a 300 word story on a specific topic in 2 weeks and so on and so fourth.

If you want to be a writer of everything I would suggest try to be good at one thing. If you want to write poetry and fiction they find one to focus on as you'll have to expeirence the other. I myself would like to do more script and screen plays so that means I should watch lots of TV and movies. If I wanted to write books I should watch less TV and not go to so many movies.

Good luck.

Answer 2

-Take time to practice writing on a regular basis.

-Offer finished pieces up for critique to other writers. You could join a writer's group online perhaps. I'm a member of http://www.newbie-writers.com/forum - but there are many others which may suit your needs better.

-Take the advice from the critiques if you feel it is worthy, and take the time to improve your piece.

-Read widely in whatever style you wish to write. Read with keen observation and absorb lessons from each different writer.

-Read books about writing. There are TONS of great ones out there. If you're just beginning, "Writing Down the Bones" by Natalie Goldberg is a very general and helpful book regarding writing. It has many helpful exercises to get your creative juices flowing.

Answer 3

READ everything you can get your hands on - good and bad. The more you read the more you will learn about writing. When you finish reading something analyze why you liked or didnt like it and then figure out what it is about the way it was writing that can teach you about how to write better. Often I learn more from bad writing than I do from good. Also I highly recommend the book The First Five Pages. Devour it. It will help you learn to write that critical first part that draws people into your writing. Good luck - Pax - C.

Answer 4

read a lot of classical books. They are the best books by steinbeck, hemmingway etc. they are all great writers. If you keep reading you will pick up a creative style that will help you become a better writer, it will create openings for you to write examples for essays, better vocabulary, better grammar, everything you would hope for. Don't just read any book read CLASSICAL books!

Answer 5

I've been wondering that myself. I have written six novels (not published yet, but one of them is being looked at by a publisher), and I could still use some improvement.

Here's one piece of advice: most writers are readers first. Read, read, read, write, write, write! Read books ABOUT writing. Talk to other writers. Etc, etc.

Answer 6

Here is a good source of advice.

For example:

Tips for starters
> Get right into the action
> Make it exciting or intriguing
> Establish time and place
> Introduce characters
> Pose questions
> Show your style
> Demonstrate the mood and type of book
> Make the reader feel something good is coming

Answer 7

Here's a good exercise... Find a short story you really like, and hand copy it to paper. Notice, as you copy, how each sentence is formed... how it adds to the story...

Another exercise? Take something you have written and try to cut out half the words you wrote and still have a story... you don't have to keep it like that. It's just a great lesson in learning to edit yourself

Answer 8

I am working towards my goal of being a writer, and most accomplished authors would say the only thing to do is : write, write, write.

Answer 9

Start a writers journal. Keep at it for a couple of years. Bound it, sell it, and you're good to go.

Answer 10

Read Read Read! Reading helps you beacome better so you can use better writing language!
Also you could take writing classes in the summer!