Did you know that it takes about 20,000 hours of practice to become an expert at something?
Maybe you’ve heard the saying ‘practice makes perfect’ and you believe it. While there’s no denying that practice makes you better at something, it doesn’t always translate to perfect.
As a writer, you’ll know that there are times when you’ll hit a wall and can’t seem to find the right word. Even the most well-versed writers stumble upon this issue sometimes. When this happens to you, it can feel frustrating and even make you want to give up.
If this sounds like you, then you’ve come the right place. We’re going to walk you through a step-by-step process that will have you writing like a pro in no time.
The Most Important Question
Before we get started, it’s important to ask yourself ‘why?’
Why did you want to learn to write? Do you need the money? Are you hoping to become a professional writer and trying to find the right footing?
Whatever your answer is, it’s important to realize that there will be a reason why you’re practicing. There may not be a clear path to follow, as with most things in life, but you’re sure to find your way if you keep trying. Learning to write is not easy, but with the help of these experts, you’re sure to improve your skills quickly and effortlessly.
Start Small
In case you’re wondering, beginning small is not a trick. It’s exactly how it should be. Writing should be fun and satisfying. You’re not practicing for a contest or expecting perfection right away. So go easy and take your time.
If you want to become a professional writer, starting small won’t hurt. Plenty of others have started with short stories or poems and worked their way up. You can do the same. Begin by writing short stories for fun and see how it goes. The benefits of writing short stories include building your portfolio and gaining valuable experience. Plus, you’ll have something to show for when you’re finished.
Join A Society Of Writers
There are plenty of organizations out there that are geared towards helping writers improve their skills. Joining a society of writers is a great way to learn and practice the craft. Whether you’re a published or aspiring author, joining a writing group is a great way to meet other people who share your interests and help you network. You’ll find a society of writers for almost any topic you can think of – including romance, science fiction and fantasy, historical fiction, etc.
If you’re looking for a place to practice your writing, writing groups can be a great choice. Besides getting the chance to work with some of the best authors, you’ll also get the benefit of getting feedback on your work. Which is invaluable. We couldn’t think of a better way to improve your skills and have some fun at the same time.
Get Familiar With The Word ‘Novel’
In case you’re wondering, a novel is not a short story. A novel is generally defined as ‘a long story’ with a continuous narrative. It’s usually between 70,000 and 90,000 words. So, to make things easy, let’s say your novel is 82,000 words. This means that there are about 82,000 dots to connect in order to keep the story moving. Each story has its own unique set of challenges and opportunities. Learning to overcome these challenges and opportunities is what makes for a great writer.
Now is a good time to study the word ‘novel’. Get to know it and feel it apart from others. As a writer, you’ll need to be familiar with this word and its many different meanings. Think of the English Dictionary. When you’re done here, you’ll know the meaning of novel and can find the noun or adjective form for any other word you aren’t familiar with. This is a small yet important step towards becoming a better writer.
Consult An Online Thesaurus
If you’ve ever researched the meaning of a word or looked up a difficult word in the dictionary, you know how difficult it can be to find the right word. Even the most well-known words can have multiple definitions and may not be precisely what you’re looking for. Thesaurus’ are great for helping you find the right word. They’re also great for improving your vocabulary. When you’re done here, you’ll have the opportunity to look up any word you don’t know and will have the opportunity to learn new words and build your vocabulary.
Study The Craft
Just because you’re a writer now doesn’t mean that you have to limit yourself to writing. Studying the craft of writing means improving all aspects of your work, including the way you write. Whether you’ve been writing for a while or are just getting started, studying the craft will help you become a better writer. There are plenty of books and online tutorials that can help you get started. You can also look into courses at a university or online school. These courses will help you learn the theory and practice of writing. Having a clear understanding of how different genres are structured will help you become a better writer.
Take A Class
Sometimes, just learning by yourself isn’t enough. Sometimes, you need a little push. If you’re looking for a way to improve your writing skills, taking a class specifically designed for writers is a great choice. These classes are usually held either in person or online. Working with an instructor who is an expert in the field and knows how to get the best out of his students is a great way to learn. Plus, you’ll have the opportunity to interact with other students and maybe even make some new friends.
Writing is a craft that can be improved upon through practice and education. The above suggestions should get you started down the right path. Remember to take it easy at first and don’t rush into anything.