Writing| 7 Great Tips And Practices To Follow

Writing is not always easy, and I still have a lot to learn. Here are seven tips and practices I follow to better writing.

Yes, writing is sometimes hard. I love to write, but some days the words don’t come, or the words don’t come out right. It can take much practice and editing to get the final product revised the way you want it. There are no short cuts to being a good writer, but there are principles you can follow that will help a bit.

I will talk about good habits and a few tips to help you get your words out of your head and into the world.

And like everything, it is just a case of practicing, and you will improve the more you write.

Read And Write Every Day

Making a habit of reading the type of books, or blogs, you want to be writing will help you in your writing. For me right now, that means children’s picture books. When I first started blogging, I read other blogs, and I read and researched all about blogging.

Even if it is just a small amount of each, you should make an effort to read and write every day.

From the reading, make a mental note of the things you do and do not like about the piece. This practice can help you to decide the way you want to write. Pay attention to the theme of the books you enjoy.

With writing, just a paragraph a day will help give you the practice you need.

'If you can’t think about anything to write, write what you’re thinking. You can use pen and paper, or take to the keys.'Click To Tweet

Join A Writers Group

If you join a writers group, such as the LCMPA Organization, you will get support from other writers and often a written analysis of the piece you have submitted. You can learn a lot from discussions with other writers, as they have been through similar stages to you.

When I started my children’s book adventure last fall, I joined the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. SCBWI offers a lot of support, opportunity, and education. I have also been a hope*writer for three years. This is a great writing community for those who blog or write novels.

Take A Walk

Sometimes when I have writer’s block, I need to take a break, so I get outside. Nature always intrigues me and gives me the creative inspiration to get back to writing.

Physical exercise, such as taking a walk or mowing the lawn, makes your brain more alert. This is the reason that people from all walks of life and professions will tell you they have their best ideas when they are exercising.

Just remember that Dumbo didn’t need the feather; the magic was in him. -Stephen King

Nature is magic, it is alive, and it inspires. But like Mr. King says–the magic is in you.

Sleep With Pen And Paper Handy

I also am a vivid dreamer, and I get inspiration at night.

Often, I wake up and think to myself ‘That was a brilliant idea I had last night, I wish I could remember what it was.’ I am frustrated because sometimes I can’t remember the idea. This is not an uncommon occurrence. I stopped the frustration by putting a pen and paper on my bedside table. Also, I often jot a thought down in the notes on my phone in the middle of the night.

Now, when I wake up with a great idea, I write a couple of words that will jog my memory in the morning. If I am really inspired, I get up and go write!

But, if I could just find some waterproof paper and pen to write in the shower!

Walk Away Before You Edit

When I write, I get it all down on my computer before I start editing. I don’t worry about grammar or mistakes until I am through with the thought. Otherwise, I would completely forget my thought process. Maybe it is just me, and my age, being a late-in-life writer? Or perhaps this happens to other writers?

To write is human, to edit is devine. -Stephen King

Do not try and edit a piece you have just written, as any mistakes will not be as clear. Walk away from the piece for a couple of hours and come back to it with a fresh mind. That way, errors will be much more apparent, and the revision process will happen more simply.

I have found I see the mistakes and words I need to change more easy if I come back to it. Also, a good tip is to read it out loud to yourself. My weenie dogs enjoy this. You can find places you are stumbling on easier. If you stumble while reading, chances are your readers will also stumble in that same spot.

Stop When It Gets Hard

When you have been writing for a while and you start to get tired, don’t carry on and force the words out as they are likely not to be very good. They will sound forced and won’t be in your true voice.

You should have a rest for a while, and come back to it later or the next day. ‘Forcing it’ never produces good work, It will be much easier to restart it later. Go outside, go get a fresh cup of coffee. Or, go do a loud of clothes.

Of course, that is a whole different monster in the writing world. Excuses. Stalls. I write from home, and I sometimes feel my entire house has to be in order before I can go write. This happens often. The bed must be made. Kitchen tidy. So many excuses and stalls.

The only thing that keeps me from stalling is a deadline or an incredible burst of inspiration. I like both of those.

Write in different places, too. I write in my sunroom most of the time. Sometimes in my office. I also write in the living room. And in the spring and fall, when the weather is nice, you will find me outside writing on my back patio. I think moving around helps with inspiration.

Write For You

The quality of your writing will improve if you are writing about something you are interested in. Oh my, this is true. Luckily, I have rarely had a problem with this. When I worked as a freelance journalist, I wrote what I wanted to write, in Waco. Rarely was I given an assignment. At this point five years ago, Waco was growing, and there were a plethora of articles to write. Stuff I wanted to read. Waco was changing and evolving: people were excited to read about these changes.

On my blog, I usually am inspired by something that I am thinking, needing to change in my life, or inspiration from home décor. I often write about something I myself need to read. So that’s what I write.

I am talking with a friend about her writing. She writes beautifully, and I am giving her gentle pushes to convince her to let the words out. The world would love her words. So, I am writing this, today, because all of this is what we have been discussing.

You will write more compellingly, and your readers will enjoy it more, too, if you write about something that inspires you.

People are not born as writers; they must learn, just like with any other trade or profession. I do believe God gives me my words. And sometimes He has me writing words I need to ponder.

And you know that old saying—practice makes perfect. My writing will never be perfect, but I know it is improving every year.

If you feel the need to write-write, get the words out. It is therapeutic. You don’t have to share your words, but you should. Share those words. It took me 26 years to find confidence. I am so thankful I did.

Remember my words— “Dreams don’t have deadlines. And dreams don’t have wrinkles!”

I wish for you words. I wish for you the confidence to get those words out of your brain and onto the screen, or the paper.

love and blessings~dd

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