Do you want to improve your writing? What are some helpful writing tips for beginners?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For new writers, the art of writing can be a tough one to master. It requires patience and perseverance<\/a>, but luckily it\u2019s a learned skill for anyone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re looking to get into writing as a hobby or career, here are some tips that can help you out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n The first step to becoming a great writer is to create a great writing environment<\/em>. Whether it\u2019s at home, in a coffee shop, or at the library, you need a place with no distractions, according to The 4-Hour Workweek<\/em><\/a> by Tim Ferris.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are some logistics to iron out when balancing your writing with other priorities, such as your job or family:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Interruptions that waste time aren\u2019t important and can be completely ignored when you\u2019re writing. <\/strong>Often, the time-wasting interruption is a person wanting to talk to you via email, phone, or in person. To deal with these interruptions, limit people\u2019s access to you, and when you do allow people to access you, make sure the interaction is as efficient and action-focused as possible. Make it known that email is your preferred method of communication, then phone, then as a last resort, in person. There are some steps to streamlining each method of communication:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Email<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Phone<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n In his book On Writing<\/em><\/a>, Stephen King claims that to be a good writer, you need to recognize the difference between good and bad writing<\/a>. Reading exposes you to good and bad writing. The more you read, the more you learn. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Often bad writing is more instructive than good writing. It teaches you what not to do\u2014what\u2019s cliche and needs to be avoided, how characters act unrealistically, and how writers ruin the pacing of a story<\/a> with plodding descriptions. It might even be inspirational\u2014if you think a bestseller is terribly written, then you might start thinking you could easily do better.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Good writing teaches you what to do. It has style, believable characters, and good plot pacing. It shows you what is possible with the written word. Good writing can be intimidating, but it can also be inspirational\u2014even if you fear you\u2019ll never reach Steinbeck\u2019s level, you can still labor to brush up against it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Through thousands of hours of reading, you sharpen the tools in your toolkit. You absorb other people\u2019s writing rhythm, how they develop their characters and plot, and how they wield language. You take what you like and forge your own style.<\/p>\n\n\n\n At the end of the book, King covers hundreds of books he\u2019s enjoyed through the decades since On Writing<\/em> was published. They cover a wide range of genres and time periods, from the classics of Charles Dickens and Joseph Conrad to contemporary bestseller authors like Peter Abrahams and Lee Child.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bring a book with you and read wherever you can.<\/strong> If you have a dull moment\u2014waiting in a line, in traffic, eating alone\u2014read. Audiobooks make it even easier to absorb a book while otherwise occupied.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Stop watching television.<\/strong> It\u2019s intellectual junk food, and it\u2019s not going to help you become a better writer<\/a>. Quitting it will probably make you happier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n How to Read Literature Like a Professor<\/em><\/a> by Thomas C. Foster suggests reading works like a professor to fully grasp concepts so you know how to use them in your writing. When reading, be on the lookout for symbolism, patterns, and irony. These elements give you a framework for your own writing because they help you communicate your ideas in a more meaningful way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Recognizing these elements in other works will enhance your stories and make your writing style distinct from other writers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n An organized note system is good for any type of writer. It\u2019ll help you stay organized, productive, and assure you\u2019re on the right track in whatever stage of your writing you\u2019re currently in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Use the slip-box system of note-taking from S\u00f6nke Ahrens in How to Take Smart Notes<\/em><\/a> to foster the creation and publication of original ideas<\/a>. There are four steps to this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ahrens recommends taking three types of notes: temporary notes, literature notes, and evergreen notes. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Temporary notes<\/strong>: Ahrens also calls these \u201cfleeting notes.\u201d Most of us have random ideas as we go about our day. Jot these down so you don\u2019t forget them, and put them all in one place\u2014an in-tray, or what Ahrens calls an \u201cinbox.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n Literature notes<\/strong>: Always read with a pen\u2014and whenever you come across interesting, potentially useful ideas, create literature notes. Using full sentences, summarize the text in your own words<\/em>, making sure that you only include one<\/em> idea per note. In each note, include information about the source material (like the book\u2019s author, the year it was published, and the page number on which you found the idea). Place these literature notes in your in-tray. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Evergreen notes<\/strong>: Ahrens refers to these as \u201cpermanent notes\u201d that combine your other notes. <\/strong>Each day, go over the notes in your in-tray and any notes you\u2019ve already collected in your slip-box. As you do so, think to yourself: How do these ideas compare with and connect to each other? When you have an original thought about these connections, create a new note\u2014ensuring that each original idea has its own note. Use full sentences, be as clear and concise as possible, and include citations. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Now that you have notes, it\u2019s time to organize them in one of two places: a reference system or your slip-box. <\/p>\n\n\n\n File your literature notes in one place<\/strong>, like a shoebox: Ahrens refers to this place as your \u201creference system.\u201d When you file your notes, include the bibliographic information of each source. If you have three literature notes about one book, you\u2019ll file those notes with a fourth note including all the book\u2019s bibliographic information\u2014anything you might need to include in your final published work. <\/p>\n\n\n\n File your evergreen notes<\/strong> into your slip-box, which is specifically designed to help you both have and share original insights to make the writing process easier. To do so effectively, use the following system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If your new note connects strongly to an old note\u2014like if it supports an argument\u2014file the new note behind that note. Otherwise, file it behind the most recent note. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Then, rummage through your slip-box and look for weaker or less obvious connections between notes you already have and your new notes. If you find any, create links between those notes. (For example, if Note #1 and Note #55 are connected, on Note #1, write down that it\u2019s connected to Note #55, and on Note #55, write down that it\u2019s connected to Note #1.) <\/p>\n\n\n\n Once you have notes in your slip-box, the next step is to link them to your index. This is any document with a list of topics with references to the notes on which those topics are mentioned. You use it to navigate <\/em>the collection of notes in your slip-box so that you can find the right idea when you need it. You can link your evergreen notes to your index in one of two ways. <\/p>\n\n\n\n First, you can create a new index entry<\/strong> whenever you notice that several evergreen notes in your slip-box all revolve around a single topic. This will consist of a keyword and the few notes most relevant to that keyword. Customize these keywords so they make sense to <\/strong>you <\/em><\/strong>and help <\/strong>you <\/em><\/strong>think<\/strong>: For example, a food writer with Note #30 that says \u201cThe best honey comes from Australia\u201d might file that under the keywords \u201cingredient origins – honey.\u201d An economist with that same note might file it under \u201cbeekeeping industry.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n Alternatively, link<\/strong> your evergreen note to an existing note (that\u2019s listed in the index)<\/strong> instead of<\/em> to the index itself. For example, if Note #31 reads, \u201cAustralian honey is very flowery,\u201d you could link it to Note #30. Since Note #30 is still in the index, this technique ensures that you can still find Note #31\u2014but it doesn\u2019t overcrowd your index. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Now that you have notes in your slip-box, you can use those notes to develop your ideas<\/a> further by reviewing and rearranging your notes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Review the notes in your slip-box<\/strong> and continue researching based on the questions that naturally come up: Ahrens argues that, as you create and regularly review several evergreen notes on similar topics, you\u2019ll inevitably discover new threads of information you\u2019ll want to follow. For example, if you\u2019re a food writer researching Australian honey, one question that you may have\u2014and should research\u2014is what foods pair well with that honey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Once you\u2019ve created several notes, Ahrens argues, you\u2019ll have enough notes to know what you want to write about. When this occurs, pull out all the notes in your slip-box related to that topic. <\/strong>Logically rearrange them: Ahrens contends that since all these notes are your own ideas, doing so will naturally reveal some form of argument. Critically analyze this argument: Does it still have significant gaps? How can it be stronger? Use the answers to inform further research. Eventually, when you pull out these notes, you\u2019ll have the outline of a paper or book. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Keeping a journal<\/a> with you at all times allows you to jot down ideas whenever you feel inspired. A journal can also help you stay organized with your tasks and agenda, especially if you have another job besides writing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n After years spent perfecting his own organizational techniques, author Ryder Carroll devised the Bullet Journal Method\u2014a single-notebook system designed to help you add structure to your life, set goals, and gain clarity on what is important to you<\/strong>. We\u2019ll look at his advice for using the method to become a better writer, as written in his book The Bullet Journal Method<\/em><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Carroll explains that throughout the day, you\u2019ll write down tasks, events, and notes that are relevant to you, using as much space as you need. To record this information most efficiently, he recommends that you use a method called rapid logging<\/a> (which we\u2019ll refer to as jotting). Jotting is a streamlined method of taking notes that focuses on only the most essential information<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n While Carroll recommends this strategy primarily for the daily record, you can use it in any part of your journal. By cutting out the excess when you write, you can stay more effectively organized, remain in the present moment, and gain clarity on what you want to write about<\/strong>. What\u2019s more, by jotting information, you\u2019re more likely to capture the details of your experience, and this information can be used for your writing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Carroll explains that the practice of jotting consists of the use of bullets, which lend themselves well to capturing concise and objective thoughts. In the Bullet Journal Method, bullet types are used systematically, with the goal being to organize information in a way that you can easily understand at a glance<\/strong>. Different bullet types (and in some cases an accompanying set of symbols) correspond to the different categories of information\u2014tasks, events, and notes\u2014that you capture while jotting: <\/p>\n\n\n\n In Everybody Writes<\/em><\/a>, Handley first recommends that you make writing a daily practice.<\/strong> Most of us already write regularly, whether it\u2019s emailing for work, posting on social media, or journaling. However, we may not be writing to the best of our abilities when we do these things, and better writing produces better results. The key to improving your writing is to do more of it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Handley recommends a strict daily writing routine<\/a> and says that missing days lessens your motivation to write. She recommends practicing writing in whatever form works best for you, whether it\u2019s a journal where you jot down a few sentences about your day, using writing prompts<\/a>, or doing stream-of-consciousness writing (writing down thoughts and feelings<\/a> as they come to you). <\/p>\n\n\n\n Handley also advises that you identify what time of day your writing is the strongest and write at that time every day. If you\u2019re a morning person you may want to begin each day with writing, but if you find that your voice is strongest in the evening or even late at night, write then. She also suggests slowing your writing down by using pen and paper instead of typing on a computer so you can process what you\u2019re writing more deeply.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Once you\u2019ve organized your notes in your preferred workspace, it\u2019s time to actually start the drafting process. There are a few things to note before drafting, which is to write with simplicity and clarity. That way, you\u2019ll make fewer mistakes along the way and won\u2019t have to do major revisions later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Simplicity is essential and you can achieve it by eliminating clutter and choosing precise words. Then we\u2019ll explore how to achieve<\/a> clarity through logic and consistency, as explained in On Writing Well<\/em><\/a> by William Zinsser.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Simplicity means your writing is easy to understand because it uses common and precise words as well as simple sentence structures. <\/p>\n\n\n\n To write simply, follow these guidelines: <\/p>\n\n\n\n Once you\u2019ve achieved simplicity in wording and structuring your sentences, focus on bringing clarity to your writing. Clarity occurs when you logically explain your idea to a reader. Zinsser believes that it\u2019s your job as a writer to guide the reader through your thought process rather than forcing them to dissect disorganized or underdeveloped writing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Zinsser believes that to write clearly<\/a>, you must clearly understand the topic you\u2019re writing about.<\/strong> If you don\u2019t understand<\/a> the topic, you\u2019ll never be able to explain it well to your reader. Zinsser recommends two techniques to bring clarity to your writing:<\/p>\n\n\n\n You now know how to write with clarity and simplicity, so let\u2019s cover the practical process of writing. In Everybody Writes<\/em><\/a>, Ann Handley frequently reiterates that there is no single correct way to create content, but she offers tips and processes to help you get started.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Once you\u2019ve made writing a daily habit, you’ll be better practiced for the writing you have to do for other purposes. Handley describes a writing process that begins with identifying what format you want to write in, what purpose it will serve for the audience, and what structure will best fit your piece.<\/strong> It can help to make a list of everything you want to cover and then see how you can best organize these ideas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Next, gather any information from outside sources that you may need, and be sure to cite them when you write. In selecting sources to use, try to find primary sources instead of secondary ones. Secondary sources might have hidden biases or misinterpretations, and getting your information straight from the primary source prevents you from perpetuating these and makes your writing more credible. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Additionally, try to find recent sources for facts and data, as information can change rapidly, and you don\u2019t want to misrepresent any facts in your piece. Keep track of your sources as you go and create formal citations as needed. If you try to do all of this at the end of your writing process, you may forget what information you got from other sources and accidentally plagiarize them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Next, draft your piece\u2014Handley recommends writing four drafts.<\/strong> The first is your rough draft, which she emphasizes will not <\/em>look good. This draft is just about getting your ideas on the page, and you don\u2019t need to spend time focusing on things like correct grammar or complete sentences. Once finished, she recommends stepping away from this draft for a while before coming back for the next one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Once you\u2019ve written a first draft, the next step is to begin editing it.<\/strong> Eventually, you\u2019ll need to have someone else help edit your work, but at first, you\u2019ll edit on your own. <\/p>\n\n\n\n There are different types of editing, including what Handley calls developmental editing<\/a><\/em>, or editing on a larger scale, and line editing<\/em>, or detailed editing. The editing process includes applying writing \u201crules\u201d to your piece, but Handley emphasizes that the rules are secondary to your purpose<\/a> and that you can always break the rules if it suits your piece. Let\u2019s look at each type of editing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Large-scale editing involves confirming that you\u2019re conveying your main idea and purpose clearly and logically and that your piece has a strong lead-in to grab the reader\u2019s attention. Also, make sure that all information on both the paragraph and sentence level is necessary to the whole piece and cut anything extraneous. Finally, identify anything that\u2019s been left out, such as missing research or logical connections.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Detailed editing involves making sure that every word conveys something important and cutting words that don\u2019t. Handley recommends being particularly wary of fluff words like \u201cvery\u201d and \u201cpotentially,\u201d and any other adverbs that don\u2019t add real meaning. Clich\u00e9d phrases such as \u201cWhen all is said and done\u201d should be used sparingly and only when they add something meaningful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n1. Create a Suitable Work Environment<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Get Rid of Distractions<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
2. Read Books and Learn From Them<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
How to Read More<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
How to Grasp Concepts from Books<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
3. Take Good Notes<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Step 1: Take Notes<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Step 2: File Notes<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Step 3: Link Notes to Your Index <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Step 4: Develop Your Ideas <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
4. Keep a Journal<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Jotting<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Bullet System<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
task)<\/s> is no longer relevant. <\/li>5. Always Practice<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
6. The Drafting Process<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Write With Simplicity and Clarity<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
What Is Simplicity?<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
What Is Clarity?<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
The 4 Stages of the Drafting Process<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
First Draft: The Rough Draft<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Second Draft: Editing<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Third Draft: Audience Connection<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n