5 Things You Can Do to Improve Your Writing Process
By: Dr. Tyra Seldon
When I was a full-time college professor, I would often tell my students that writing, unlike some other skills, is not formulaic. It is process-oriented and like any other process, there are things that we all can do to improve. The key, as you will see with the list below, is being intentional.
- Identify Good Writing—Do you have a favorite author? Blogger? Writer? When is the last time that you thought about why you are drawn to that person’s words? There is a strong possibility that there is something appealing and compelling about the author’s writing style and voice. Instinctively, you just know that it’s good. But the real question is: Why? The answer to this goes beyond correct grammar and syntax. Most good writing—regardless of genre—often boils down to good storytelling. So, if you really want to get better, start paying close attention to not only what good writers write, but also how they write it.
- Write in Stages—If you plan on writing a longer text like a book, I strongly recommend that you write it in chunks. Trying to sit down and write the entire book may work for some people, but for most of us, we need time and even space between our work in order to see it with fresh eyes. The other advantage of chunking your work is that you have time to process what you’ve written from the vantage point of a reader and not exclusively as the writer.
- Be Imperfect—Now, this may seem like a contradiction and it some ways it is. Obviously, I am not a proponent of sloppy work or work that’s riddled with errors. However, if you are spending more time thinking about perfection than you are actually writing, then it’s time to rethink your process. Trust me, there is nothing wrong with wanting an immaculate text, but remember, writing takes time, so there will be time to revise and to self-edit. And of course, if you’d prefer not to do it yourself and you are able to, hire a professional editor.
- Share Your Work with Others—Writing can be deeply personal and intimate. Many of us may not be open to the criticism, even if it is constructive, of others. However, peer feedback can be critically important to improving your writing. The key is to share with a group of individuals who you trust and who will be honest about your writing and the various ways in which you can improve it.
- See Writing as an Exercise in Self-Discovery—Many of us enter the writing process with an end goal in mind. Because of this, we often have our story, book, or blog pre-mapped out—if not in writing then we definitely tend to have a mental map. This is great! However, if you see writing as an exploratory activity then you are opening yourself up to this wonderful thing called serendipity.
After almost 20 years of teaching writing and coaching other writers, that’s my Top 5. Whether you plan to write a few pieces or launch your career as a professional writer, the key is to keep writing. Like any skill that you hope to master, it’s important that you spend time on task and give yourself permission to be led by the process.
Happy Writing!
Dr. Tyra Seldon earned her Ph.D. in English Language and Literature from the University of Rochester in 2002. After a successful teaching career in higher education and K-12, she launched Seldon Writing Group, LLC in 2011. She can be reached at: dr.tyra@seldonwritinggroup.com
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