Becoming a better writer takes commitment and a good deal of time. Of course, we should decide whether becoming a better writer has primarily to do with craft, or with making money from our writing. For most of us, it’s both, but let’s focus first on craft.
The Basics
Writers.com offers their three premier points for people who want to become writers. They should have a:
- focus on passion for the written word,
- a desire to expand the boundaries and possibilities of language, and,
- a willingness to grow and learn continuously.
An important takeaway from this list is that writers who want to improve have to be open and willing to challenge themselves. Becoming a better writer isn’t something that can be accomplished without hard work and a plan.
Many authorities tell those who want to become better writers to read—a lot. Reading more gives writers with guidance and examples. How did this author handle transition in point of view, or how would I characterize this writer’s voice? Reading the work of great writers provides the basics of a framework we can use to become better at our craft.
Another common suggestion—the one I hear all the time, really—is to write. Writers can only become better, the saying goes, by writing more and more, and through that practice to improve. Lifehack also suggests that becoming a better writer requires planning before writing, but other people and I disagree. I won’t get into the ever-present planner vs. pantster controversy here. I will suggest that developing a plan for writing can help pantsters by encouraging them to think before they write. At the same time, just writing without thinking can stretch a writer’s muscles as well. Did you hear that, planners?
The Paradox
Of course, become a better writer can also be discouraging: stay with me on this. Becoming the best writer you can be isn’t easy. I have often said that the more I know, the more I know I don’t know. This translates into, the more I know, the more ignorant I feel because now I know what I don’t know. In addition, like any skill writing takes practice, and we can get rusty if we don’t use our writer muscles regularly, and critically. But even without massive talent, we can become better writers. Just don’t assume you’ll know it precisely when it happens.
College or Graduate School
You may ask if you need to go to college to become a better writer. While the answer is no, many people would say that you can learn a great deal about writing, and receive valuable feedback by enrolling in a writing program in college. Whether that is a major or certificate in English, creative or journalism may not matter. The same can be said of graduate education in the same fields.
I’ll be heading to AWP in March, which is the Association of Writers and Writing Programs. They focus on amplifying “the voices of writers and the academic programs and organizations that serve them while championing diversity and excellence in creative writing.” Much of what they do is support the craft of writing and writers. But they also provide a forum for graduate writing programs to showcase their schools and recruit new students. That’s why I’ll be there as an admissions officer for Vermont College of Fine Arts. Of course, even if you don’t study creative writing in college or graduate school, receiving feedback from writing professors can boost your confidence and your ability to write clearly. Professional conferences, workshops and retreats can help, too.
Business Matters
Seeking additional academic training and mentoring, of course, doesn’t guarantee your success as a writer. It will help us become better writers, but may not help us become more financially successful. That requires additional work on the business of writing, which few writing programs emphasize.
Many folks can help us learn the business of writing, most notably Jane Friedman. Her book, The Business of Writing, is a well-researched compendium on topics such as finding an agent, querying, blogging and advertising. Just as strong and more comprehensive is the website Writers Helping Writers, which supports not only the business of writing, but how authors can strengthen their craft as well. One of their points is particularly salient, which is that other authors are not your competition, they are assets. I can’t tell you how many times successful authors have offered their expertise to me free of charge, just because I asked for it. And this advice can be regarding craft to make me a better writer, or business to make me more successful financially.
One great thing about trying to become a better writer? You’ll never be alone!
