by Kym Farris

Let’s face it, no one is perfect. No matter how good you are, you can always strengthen your abilities. If you have been following my blogs (and I hope you have) then you know I’m still new at this. So I am always looking for ways to make my writing better. I’m constantly reading something or watching a video. I’m hoping what I have learned can help someone else. So here goes.

1. Spend Time Writing

You can’t write for a few minutes a day and expect to be an expert. You have to write to write well. I've read where writers have spent 10-12 hours a day writing and still didn’t think they were good enough. But you have to start somewhere. Take a calendar and mark off a few hours each day to start. It doesn’t really matter what you write. I watch the news everyday and I can find a story from the news to write about. Whether it be a local story, a sporting event or world news there is something that can work for you. 

2. Read More

Meaning read different content. You can learn a lot from different writers. If you are used to writing fiction then you have a grasp on narrative structure. If you write non fiction you’re probably better at writing concisely and clearly but you may not know how to write both. Read more of what you normally wouldn’t. To be a better writer you want to strengthen your techniques and learn new ones. 

3. Write with a Clear Vocabulary

This is a huge problem of mine. I tend to ramble on to the point I confuse myself and lose track of what I was saying. And if it happens to me I can only imagine what it would do to someone reading what I’ve written. Keep these questions in mind when you are writing “How can you clarify the meaning of this sentence?” and “Can you do it in fewer words?” My boss/mentor recently reminded me that fewer words can have the same powerful meaning. That people don’t want to read the same thing over and over again or have things drag on. Smaller paragraphs and a variety of different words could help with this. 

4. Read your own Book

Have you ever read a book and knew exactly where the author was going with it? For me at that point I start to get bored. I like the books that leave me saying “I didn’t see that coming” it pulls me in. It makes me want to read more. Whether it be in the middle of a book or the very last page. Simply read your book. Does it answer all the questions a potential reader might ask? Does it hit the points you want to hit? Does it have twists and turns? The goal is to have readers wanting to read what you write no matter what it is. If they are bored chances are that won't happen.

5. Accept and Respect Criticism

Criticism comes in lots of forms. Sometimes it may be harsh and there are times you might be praised. Both are just as important as the other. Being praised will make you feel good and give you an extra boost of confidence. But what happens when you get the negative criticism? It’s like a shot to the gut. Best thing to do is to take the advice and run with it. If someone says something doesn’t make sense, read it. Most times reading it out loud or to another person helps. Take the tips and implement them. You can only make what you have written stronger. 

6. Take Breaks

It’s okay to take a break from a project especially if you are feeling overwhelmed. You want to be the best version of yourself and that will speak through your writing. If you are stressed it will show. Believe me I’ve been there with school assignments. Take a walk, run an errand. Anything that takes your mind away from writing until you can clearly continue with it. 

7. Identify your Target Audience

I know I have mentioned this before but I find this to be extremely important. Know who you are writing for. Whether it be for adults, children or the in betweens you have to be able to communicate with them on their level. You can’t write a children’s novel with college based words, well you can but what child is going to understand and identify with it? Most likely none unless your child is the next genius. If a children’s novel is the direction you are going in and you don’t have children, maybe see if you can hang out with friends who do. If you do have children see if you can go to their daycare for the day. Interact with them. Get involved.

 That’s all of it! If you have other services you’d recommend, be sure to let us know in the comments. And while you’re here - subscribe to our mailing list, so you don’t miss any ghostwriting tips and best practices that we’ll be sharing here each week.