What is the definition of Habit?
Quoted from the Merriam-webster Dictionary “Habit – an acquired mode of behavior that has become nearly or completely involuntary .” Another way of saying this is: We do things from the force of habit.
In order to improve your writing skills, you need to be adopting certain habits that over time become natural and a part of your everyday routine.
Read, Read, Read
I can’t emphasize this enough. In order to be able to write you need to be reading.
When you’re reading, slow down and take note of the writing style, the grammar, ask yourself questions – why do you like or not like the book? Is the book captivating? Were you drawn into the story right away? Does it have a good plot? Take note of the characters – are they descriptive enough – can you picture them? As a writer, read the book like a writer? Question the book like you would your own story. Learn from the bestsellers.
Write, Write, Write
Like anything in life that we want to excel in, we need to practice and keep at it. Kobe Bryant didn’t become a superstar basketball player overnight. It’s the same with writing. Write every day, doesn’t matter what you write, just write. Write in a journal, write a blog, add something to the current story you are writing. If you are stumped on what to write, use a writing prompt. I have many on this site – https://tinahogangrant.com/category/weekly-7-day-writing-prompts/
Edit, Edit, Edit – Make Your Story Shine
When you have completed your story I encourage you to read it over and over and when you think you’re done, read it again and again. Trust me, you’ll be surprised at what you’ll find and how much you want to change. I suggest reading it out loud or use a text to voice software.
When you’ve done all you can possibly do, it’s time to hand it over to others to read. I don’t recommend giving it to friends or family – they tend to be the worst critics, (afraid of hurting your feelings.) It’s best to give it to someone neutral. Listen to what they have to say and use the information.
I also recommend, walking away from your work for a week or two. Write something else, focus on anything but the current story. When you return with a fresh mind, you’ll be amazed by how much more focused you’ll be and I can guarantee, additional changes will be made.
Finally, Have your work edited by a professional editor. There is nothing worse than reading a book that has constant spelling and grammar mistakes or simply doesn’t read well. Your reputation as a writer is out there for everyone to judge. An editor will be able to do the final polish and make it shine.
Learn How to Handle Criticism
As a writer, More than likely someone is going to criticize your work. We can’t please everyone. The first will hurt, but we can look at in a positive way and grow from it. Take note of the critique, learn from it and expand your knowledge. then tuck it away and move on.
Make Your Next Story Better Than the Last
As we write more, we continue to learn new writing techniques and begin to form our own style of writing. Grow with what you have learned. Write with confidence, show it in your writing and make each new story better than the last.
Have Fun and Enjoy yourself
Yor are doing something you love to do. You feel the passion to write. Embrace it, have fun with it. Get excited about your creation, the story, the plot, the ending. Don’t make it a dreaded chore – anticipate your next writing session and what you want to achieve. Set goals.
What habits have you adopted to improve your writing? I would love to hear them.
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I am always nervous of someone criticizing my writing but I take criticism as a learning tool, so I dont get bothered by it 🙂
That’s a good attitude
Such great tips! Writing is one of my favorite pastimes, but reading is a close second.
Thank you!
exactly the more you do something the better you get and always be ready for that “creative” criticism.
Prepare ourselves is the best way to handle it.
I’m not very good at handling criticism, lol. I know it’s something I need to work on because I really do want to improve my writing skills for all of my blogs. Your tips will help me get started.
Criticism is the fear of any writers. How we handle it is the key.
The more you write the better you do get. It also helps to do lots of reading
Both will enhance your writing skills.
These are really good habits to have as a writer. I think we could all use a few tips like this to inspire us.
Thank you. Getting inspired is the key
As a writer and an editor, I completely agree and appreciate your blog post. I think proofreading is also an extremely important part of the writing process that too many writers tend to skip.
Don’t.
Just hire a proofreader for that final polish.
Great post!
Thank you for sharing.
Thank you for your comments. Agree many writers do skip the editing process using the excuse they can’t afford it. But when it comes to your reputation, this is an area a writer should honestly be spending part of their budget.
I’m working on the edit edit edit part, which is the part I like the least! xoxo Robin
I feel your pain. I’ve just finished editing a 90,000-word manuscript. Editing is so grueling.
The more you do the reading and writing and editing the better you become. Letting people read what you have wrote always helps.
Exactly.
Some very helpful advice Tina, as writers we all need reminding every now and then.
thanks Debbie
I would love to improve my writing. These tips are actually really helpful!
Thas=nks you! Glad you liked them.
Your tips are so good! As a writer myself I think you have hit it spot on! We need to read lots, write and keep practicing all the time.
Thank you!
You gave great tips here. I particularly found it interesting when you talked about taking criticism, you are right you can’t please all the people all the time!
A fear of most writers, that needs to be handled in such a way that our confidence is not affected.
Wow I agree. These will really help improve writing skills – especially doing more reading!
xo, Sondra
Cuisineandtravel.com
thank you! Yes read, read,read lol
The criticism one was hard for me. My writing is so personal to me and I need to understand that not everyone is going to get it. Great tips
I understand where you are coming from. A tough one for writers but we learn to grow from any kind of criticism.
I always feel like I am the most inspired when I’ve read something inspiring. Though I have to say, taking criticism has always been touchy with me. It needs to be presented in a constructive way.
So true, I can’t agree with you more.
Great tips. I need to work on the criticism part, and realize that doesn’t mean go on a week-long sabbatical!
Exactly. Learn from it and move on.
Definitely adopting these skills! Very helpful for people who has started to love the art of writing. Great job!
Thank you. I hope the post will help you.
Wonderful pointers, and I agree with the first one….read to the nth power 😀 you can’t give out something you don’t have, that’s why it’s important to read to see how others write, learn new words, and pick out the styles you like…and being open to criticisms mean having a good handle of things, good point!
Reading is essential and why it’s at the top of the list. 🙂