What are some ways to improve one's writing style?

Question

This involves variation in sentence structure, diction, and overall style and presentation. Should I try and mimic other writing styles or improve on vocabulary, or is it just a naturally acquired skill?

Answer 1

I've been a professional writer for about 25 years. Writing is a continually evolving process (I'm a better writer now than I was 25 years ago, for instance). You might want to start with a good style guide (Struck and White is my favorite) to give you some grounding, and you do need to bone up on your grammar. Nothing destroys good writing faster than run-on sentences, nonparallel structure, and poor conjugations.

Here are a few ideas that might help:

1) I believe you should always set aside twice as much time for editing as you do for writing. Organize what you wish to write, and go ahead and put everything down. After you complete your piece, than go back and edit. Writing and editing simultaneously can be very arduous and lacks the perspective you will need to truly pare and tighten your copy.

2) Strive to write in active voice, which is very hard to do, since many of us speak in passive voice. It may be difficult to eliminate the use of the verb "to be", but try to minimize its use, and you will find it easier to write in an active way.

3) Try to keep sentences short and concise whenever possible. If you find yourself stringing together multiple complex sentences, step back and see how you can divide some of these sentences into simple ones. A mixture of simple and complex sentences can truly create an excellent rhythm for the reader.

4) If you use a complex sentence, make sure your thoughts flow from beginning to end. For example, we often put the end of the sentence in the beginning as a dependent clause:

Because the fire swept through the house, he jumped.

versus

He jumped, because the fire swept through the house.

When you put the dependent clause first, it can throw off the reader, because he or she must refer backwards to completely understand the thought.

5) Have a game plan before you start. I'm not a big believer in outlines, but some people need that degree of organization to ensure they have a beginning, middle and end to the thoughts or ideas they wish to convey.

6) Make sure to write regularly. You can only get better at something if you practice religiously. Make sure to find time to write several times a week.

Just a few thoughts. Good luck.

Answer 2

Definitely read different types of styles but don't necessarily copy them. Also practice writing about anything and everything. I find that blogs for example allow me to write as I speak and as I think and I find people are really responsive to that. Improving on vocabulary never hurts either, it's always fun to pull out some crazy word now and then. Good luck! :)

Answer 3

There is a very small, easy-to-read book by Strunk and White called The Elements of Style. Strunk was a college professor who reduced stylish writing to a clear body of useful rules. White is a novelist; he wrote Charlotte's Web. I learned more about clear writing from this book than any other.

Answer 4

Just keep practicing; you don't need to be a prodigy to write good! Even prodigies have to practice too, but the effort one puts in is always different, yet uncomparable.

Expand your vocabulary daily and learn new words, meanings, grammar tips and writing styles and tips. Read books and magazines or informative articles and the styles they are put in, and keep on practicing. Maybe put in a daily journal or blog, there are plenty free online and good: I use blogger.com.

Keep practicing and work at it =)

Answer 5

Definitely read a variety of styles. Don't intentionally emulate them as that will only lead to frustration. However, by reading many styles and practicing your own writing, you will develop a writing "ear" or a sense of writing rhythm as with music. As you read things that flow well that will, in turn, give you a better sense of how well your own writing is flowing.

Answer 6

Read, read, read. Read the writings of someone whose style to which you aspire. Think of how you'd improve it. Write and rewrite. Put your own character into it, and write and rewrite. Write, rewrite, then put it away for a couple of days. Open it again and read it with a fresh outlook. Ask yourself, as you read it, "Is it clear? Is it informative? Does it tell enough or too much?" Can I say more to clarify or less to simplify?

Good luck on your writing, sweetie.

Answer 7

Read "The Elements of Style" by Strunk and White. It's a Bible for writers.

You might also like "Bird by Bird" by Anne Lamott.

Answer 8

write with the paper with the dots in the center of the two lines, and write , write, write, and try to keep the words in between the lines

Answer 9

Read alot of books and see what you like. Then, you'll naturally imitate it! If you write like crap, and it happens that you're only imitating the works of Hemmingway, the teacher can't blame you!

Answer 10

don't copy any one's style. Just keep writing eventually you will discover your own style. It will develope over time.