Write More, Write Better

So when people ask me how to improve their writing skills, I normally answer them with “why are you asking me?” but because I need to give some tips for this assignment, I will share those bits of advice that have helped me most.

Step 1: Let’s get creative!

(Don’t Hug me I’m Scared, Don’t Hug Me .I’m Scared)

For those of you that have watched this video, you may remember the horror towards the end, but for me the part that resonates the most is in the beginning where the “notepad” character tells everyone to get creative.  As outrageous as this may sound, I have learned that one of my strengths is creative writing.  Now in some situations, critical writing is necessary but if it is possible, try writing creatively and see where that takes you.

Step 2: You are not alone!


(Harry Potter, J. K. Rowling)

So for the vast majority of people who read the Harry Potter series, this quote will seem quite familiar.  In the real world, and especially in school, there will always be someone willing to help improve your writing skills.  If you ever feel like you need help writing that essay, or finishing your homework, a teacher is a great source to go to or perhaps a parent or friend.  I probably should have had this blog post checked before I posted it, but that is my next point.  Help is always there, but like Dumbledore says, you have to ask for it.  Seeing as it is the night before this is due, that seems like an option that has come and gone unfortunately.  For everyone else though, I hope this blog post will serve as a message to get help AND get it in time to fix the assignment.

Step 3: Practice makes perfect!  Practice the way you play!!  Another generic motivational quote your coach tells you during practice!!!

(Pablo de Sarasate)

Pablo de Sarasate is famous for his quote: “for 37 years I practiced 14 hours a day, and now they call me a genius” (Pablo de Sarasate).  For those of you that played little league (insert sport here) or perhaps were forced to play an instrument by your parents, the general message that is trying to be conveyed is that practice makes perfect.  Why should writing be any different?  I am willing to bet that many people do not quite have the time to write novels in their busy lives, but sometimes getting words out is the best way to learn.  Like other tasks, writing is something that cannot be taught straight from a book.  Writing must be practiced and in doing so, the skills of the writer will improve.

Step 2+3:  Or possibly Step 4.

After practicing writing for yourself, try sharing those writings with people around you.  If you are comfortable with criticism, open yourself up to getting help from friends and family or teachers.  Even if it is not for a class or work, sometimes just getting feedback can help to improve writing skills.

Step 4:  I guess this is Step 5, but it’s about idolizing writers.

If you are a young Red Sox fan playing baseball right now, you might have that poster of David Ortiz in your bedroom.  I know I had the Red Sox hanging in my room when I was younger and I wanted to play just like them.  How would this be any different than having a writer as an idol?  Would it not be beneficial to read Ernest Hemingway or Mark Twain and learning about their style?  The answer is that in learning more about these authors, you too can profit from seeing what good writing looks like.

Step 6:  Mama knows best.

I would like to conclude this mess of a blog post with one bit of advice separate from all the rest above.  Last year in the beginning of my sophomore English class, the forecast looked like I was going to be struggling with writing for another long year.  After coming home with my first writing assignment, I decided that I would go to my mother for help.  All she told me to do was:

Appeal to all 5 senses.

Such a simple bit of advice, but it helped me in ways that can only be imagined.  Especially in creative writing, painting a picture for the reader should be the number one priority.

Step 7: The End.

When you run out of ideas to write down, it is best to conclude.