By Jody Hedlund, @JodyHedlund
Can a writer improve through writing ALONE? Or does it take MORE than actual writing to become a better writer?
I definitely think that we become better writers by the act of writing. In fact I'd even go as far as saying
I don't think a writer can truly grow without LOTS and LOTS of writing.
But . . . we could write book after book and still not take our writing skill to the next level. We could quite possibly fill our shelves with stories that never exhibit any significant growth from one book to the next. In other words,
the process of writing itself is never a guarantee that we'll grow.
After writing over 15 books, I can testify to the power of prolific writing. It's absolutely essential to becoming a better writer.
But I have always coupled my writing with learning. I intentionally find areas where I'm weak, I consciously look for new skills to incorporate into my stories, and I challenge myself to painful growth.
It’s out of massive writing PLUS determined efforts to stretch ourselves to grow in writing techniques that we eventually begin to move toward publishable-quality writing.
Here are 9 ways we can challenge ourselves to grow.
1. Get quality critiques.
Every critique helps me get a glimpse of my weaknesses. For example after one critique, I learned I was weak in adding sensory details to every scene. Another helped me realize I needed to maximize scene tension. A good critique will show us something—usually many things—that we can work on. I try to pick several key techniques from each critique to practice.
2. Read and study books INSIDE our genres.
Most writers read voraciously. We can try to get a feel for what’s popular within our genres and particularly with authors we admire. But we can also look at what makes those stories work. What draws us in? What makes us like the characters? What holds us to the end?
3. Read and study books OUTSIDE our genres.
Over the past couple of years, I've stretched myself by reading books that I might not normally gravitate toward. I've challenged myself to be a bit more eclectic. As I've done so, I've realized that I'm constantly picking up really good ideas from these non-genre books, techniques that I can apply to my genre (with a little tweaking). Sometimes the fresh perspective of a new genre can add freshness to our genre.
4. Devour writing craft books.
This is probably the way I’ve grown the most over the years. I've read book after book, borrowing most through the library. When I wanted to learn how to write by scenes, I read those books. To learn to plot better, I scoured plot books. As I attempted to write better dialogue, I checked out dialogue books.
Some writing books provide inspiration. But we have to delve into technique if we want to grow. That doesn’t mean we have to agree with everything we read, but we can always discover new ideas to try.
5. Take lots of notes and review them frequently.
I keep notes on index cards. When I read something helpful on a blog post, I jot it down on a card. When I find something in a book that I want to practice, I make a note. I pull out those cards, review them regularly, and they remind me of the things I need to work on most.
6. Discipline ourselves to write consistently.
Discipline and consistency help us become prolific. But then we need to take it one step further and actually practice what we're learning. Sometimes we have to slow down our writing process, at least temporarily, while we add in a new skill or two. For some writers, maybe the conscious application happens in the rewrite process. But the point is, we eventually have to take that head knowledge and let it shape the words we write.
7. Read writing-related blogs.
Most writers reading this post are probably already well on their way to searching out helpful blogs. We can learn a tremendous amount from one another in the writing community. I find almost all my links to writing related posts on Twitter, especially because I follow a couple of writers,
@elizabethscraig and
@thecreativepenn, who share great writing-related links.
8. Take online writing courses.
There are great webinars to choose from, classes, conferences—some for free and all from the comfort of our homes.
Writer’s Digest.com consistently offers a variety of courses. Take a look at
Writer's Digest University for all of their online workshops, tutorials, and resources.
9. Attend a local or national conference.
Conferences are an ideal time to rub shoulders with other authors, to talk about the craft, to brainstorm, and to glean ideas. In addition, we have the opportunity to sit under the teaching of some of the best authors out there, ask questions, and soak in their wisdom.
Besides the actual writing, what else has helped you to grow the most in your writing skill?
#6 is my downfall. For all the learning I do, I don't always focus on its application. I write from a place inside my head and during revisions discover so many things I should have done differently. The conscious and unconscious me don't cooperate on the page! LOL!
ReplyDeleteDuring revisions I go through a mental checklist for each page, asking myself first if the scene and/or dialogue is vital to the story, then if everything is in the right POV, tenses are consistent, have I included conflict/tension, sensory descriptions, and other important elements. I annoy myself at how often a scene requires a repair, and how often my critique group discovers things I've missed! I think it's part of the growth process to be able to recognize when my writing is lacking something.
Hi Carol,
DeleteI think that application aspect is going to look different for each of us. But the point is that we actually do take the time to practice new techniques (and perhaps that is during the rewrite phase for some writers.) I liken the process of practicing and drilling to basketball (which both of my boys play). I always tell them they can't improve through games alone, that they have to get out there between times and during the summer and practice technique. What happens off the court is what makes the difference on the court. And I think we can apply that to our writing too! :-)
Great Article Journal Paper Writing Services projects for cse JavaScript Training in Chennai JavaScript Training in Chennai Project Centers in Chennai
DeleteYou nailed it. Everything I could think of anyway.
ReplyDeleteI'd expand to say, I get reviews/critiques from readers. They offer a different perspective.
I have a writer group I am meeting in person.
I also have a writing group I meet online.
I'm writing for Nano right now, but will keep this post in mind to link to it from my blog. Great stuff list in a single place!
Good point. Taking into account reader thoughts can be helpful to a degree as well. And Nano has been a great way to challenge me to stretch my writing muscles (which is growth in a different way!) :-)
DeleteAs someone who's looking to ameliorate her writing in general, I enjoyed reading this post. Great thoughts, Jody. This fueled my desire to enrich the texts I write.
ReplyDeleteJody, I love your idea of writing new lessons on cards. I take notes but rarely go back and read through them.
ReplyDeletePlot & Structure has helped me the most. And I found out about Bell's book from this blog :)
Thanks for posting the article...its really a good tip....http://www.manjugroups.com....villas in chennai,real estate in chennai,plots in chennai
ReplyDeleteHi Jody - great post
ReplyDeleteI think I struggle most with No.3. At the moment I'm writing a novel set in France during WW2 so for the past year I've been reading novels of this genre. I like to immerse myself in the 'feel' of the war years so struggle to choose other books in case I snap out of era. I will endeavour to choose outside my preferred genres when my book's finished though - hopefully in a month or two.
Ange
You make some excellent points, Jody!! I need to follow these more and learn from them. I often note things I learn from you and others but I don't go over them regularly, I'll change that.
ReplyDeleteI discovered your blog through Pinterest and enjoyed the list especially learning the craft and learning what my weaknesses are. Actually, I'm right at the beginning of starting a story and finding my way. As an aspiring fantasy writer/science fiction writer, I am searching for what skills I need to create the story I want. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteThe best way to improve your skills in any sphere, including writing, is to practice a lot. You also have to study constantly and not to avoid criticism. But sometimes even talented writers need some professional help in writing essays. If you need a help with writing or editing the text, visit this website: http://www.professional-essay-writing.com.
ReplyDeleteThanks for post this helpful post - Please visit for More information about -
ReplyDeletePackers and Movers Hyderabad
Packers and Movers Mumbai
Packers and Movers Chennai
Packers and Movers Noida
This article is really fantastic and thanks for sharing the valuable post.
ReplyDeletePackers and Movers Delhi
Packers and Movers Bangalore
Packers and Movers Gurgaon
Packers and Movers Pune
Thanks for sharing your info. I really appreciate your efforts and I will be waiting for your further write
ReplyDeletePackers and Movers Thane
Packers and Movers Navi Mumbai
Packers and Movers Ghaziabad
Packers and Movers Faridabad
Great job for publishing such a beneficial web post. packers and movers bangalore packers and movers bangalore marathahalli packers and movers marathahalli packers and movers hsr layout packers and movers btm layout packers and movers bommanahalli packers and movers whitefield packers and movers koramangala packers and movers jp nagar
ReplyDeleteGreat tips with simple examples,these important advice will surely help beginners to find success in their writing skills.Would like to read more on the subject.
ReplyDeletetop essay writer
Packers and Movers in Pune
ReplyDeletePackers and Movers in Hyderabad
Packers and Movers in Bangalore
Packers and Movers Hyderabad
ReplyDeletePackers and Movers Gurgaon
Packers and Movers Bangalore
Packers and Movers Pune
Packers and Movers in Gurgaon
ReplyDeletePackers and Movers in Delhi
Packers and Movers in Mumbai
Nice...thanks for sharing this information..
ReplyDeleteorthopedic doctor in delhi
ReplyDeleteVery nice post.
buy tops for girls
Great..!! thanks for sharing with us.
ReplyDeletecustom agent in india
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI think the online writing course will be a better option if you want to become a better writer. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteOver 60% individuals are utilizing the cell phone and you can get follow the link for your writing task. and the innovation has influenced crafted by organizations simple to publicize their items and work to each client on each dimension of the general public.
ReplyDeletecoin haber - koin haber - kripto para haberleri - coin haber - instagram video indir - instagram takipçi satın al - instagram takipçi satın al - tiktok takipçi satın al - instagram takipçi satın al - instagram takipçi satın al - instagram takipçi satın al - instagram takipçi satın al - instagram takipçi satın al - binance güvenilir mi - binance güvenilir mi - binance güvenilir mi - binance güvenilir mi - instagram beğeni satın al - instagram beğeni satın al - google haritalara yer ekleme - btcturk güvenilir mi - binance hesap açma - kuşadası kiralık villa - tiktok izlenme satın al - instagram takipçi satın al - sms onay - paribu sahibi kim - binance sahibi kim - btcturk sahibi kim - paribu ne zaman kuruldu - binance ne zaman kuruldu - btcturk ne zaman kuruldu - youtube izlenme satın al - torrent oyun - google haritalara yer ekleme - altyapısız internet - bedava internet - no deposit bonus forex - erkek spor ayakkabı - tiktok jeton hilesi - tiktok beğeni satın al - microsoft word indir - misli indir
ReplyDeleteaşk kitapları
ReplyDeleteyoutube abone satın al
takipçi satın al
takipçi satın al
takipçi satın al
takipcialdim.com/tiktok-takipci-satin-al/
instagram beğeni satın al
beğeni satın al
btcturk
tiktok izlenme satın al
sms onay
youtube izlenme satın al
tiktok jeton hilesi
tiktok beğeni satın al
takipçi satın al
uc satın al
sms onay
sms onay
tiktok takipçi satın al
tiktok beğeni satın al
twitter takipçi satın al
trend topic satın al
youtube abone satın al
instagram beğeni satın al
tiktok beğeni satın al
twitter takipçi satın al
trend topic satın al
youtube abone satın al
takipcialdim.com/instagram-begeni-satin-al/
perde modelleri
instagram takipçi satın al
instagram takipçi satın al
takipçi satın al
instagram takipçi satın al
betboo
marsbahis
sultanbet
takipçi satın al
ReplyDeleteinstagram takipçi satın al
https://www.takipcikenti.com
toptan iç giyim tercih etmenizin sebebi kaliteyi ucuza satın alabilmektir. Ürünler yine orjinaldir ve size sorun yaşatmaz. Yine de bilinen tekstil markalarını tercih etmelisiniz.
ReplyDeleteDigitürk başvuru güncel adresine hoşgeldiniz. Hemen başvuru yaparsanız anında kurulum yapmaktayız.
tutku iç giyim Türkiye'nin önde gelen iç giyim markalarından birisi olmasının yanı sıra en çok satan markalardan birisidir. Ürünleri hem çok kalitelidir hem de pamuk kullanımı daha fazladır.
nbb sütyen hem kaliteli hem de uygun fiyatlı sütyenler üretmektedir. Sütyene ek olarak sütyen takımı ve jartiyer gibi ürünleri de mevcuttur. Özellikle Avrupa ve Orta Doğu'da çokça tercih edilmektedir.
yeni inci sütyen kaliteyi ucuz olarak sizlere ulaştırmaktadır. Çok çeşitli sütyen varyantları mevcuttur. iç giyime damga vuran markalardan biridir ve genellikle Avrupa'da ismi sıklıkla duyulur.
iç giyim ürünlerine her zaman dikkat etmemiz gerekmektedir. Üretimde kullanılan malzemelerin kullanım oranları, kumaşın esnekliği, çekmezlik testi gibi birçok unsuru aynı anda değerlendirerek seçim yapmalıyız.
iç giyim bayanların erkeklere göre daha dikkatli oldukları bir alandır. Erkeklere göre daha özenli ve daha seçici davranırlar. Biliyorlar ki iç giyimde kullandıkları şeyler kafalarındaki ve ruhlarındaki özellikleri dışa vururlar.
Thank you for this post! You write very good that is why you should lead instagram blog too. From here https://soclikes.com/buy-instagram-followers you can get followers for your blog
ReplyDeleteswrv coin hangi borsada
ReplyDeleterose coin hangi borsada
ray coin hangi borsada
cover coin hangi borsada
xec coin hangi borsada
tiktok jeton hilesi
tiktok jeton hilesi
tiktok jeton hilesi
tiktok jeton hilesi
Very good site, brilliant write up. Acronis True Image 2022 Crack
ReplyDeleteWindows Movie Maker 2022 Crack
Microsoft Office 2022 Crack
Adobe Photoshop 2022 Crack
Well I truly enjoyed reading it. This subject offered by you is very helpful and accurate.
ReplyDelete바카라사이트
Thanks for sharing with us this important Content. I feel strongly about it and really enjoyed learning more about this topic.
ReplyDelete카지노사이트
Excellent Blog! I would like to thank you for the efforts you have made in writing this post.
ReplyDelete토토
This article is very helpful and interesting too. Keep doing this in future. I will support you.
ReplyDelete바카라사이트
I am always searching online for articles that can help me. There is obviously a lot to know about this. I think you made some good points in Features also. Keep working, great job ! Feel free to visit my website; 먹튀검증
ReplyDeleteI really like your post, I always like to read quality content having accurate information regarding the subject. Thanks for sharing. It is such a very amazing post. Feel free to visit my website; 바카라사이트
ReplyDeleteExcellent site you’ve got here.. It’s hard to find high-quality writing like yours nowadays. I seriously appreciate individuals like you! Take care!! Feel free to visit my website; 바카라사이트
ReplyDeleteHey, I am so thrilled I found your blog, I am here now and could just like to say thank for a tremendous post and all round interesting website. Please do keep up the great work. I cannot be without visiting your blog again and again. Feel free to visit my website; 토토사이트
ReplyDeleteTop 10 Tips For Beginning 우리카지노 더킹카지노 우리카지노계열 Players - Part 1 - with Casino Gambling Expert Steve Bourie
ReplyDeleteGTA Online: Some Players BANNED From Entering 먹튀커뮤니티! Rockstar Explains Why & More!? (GTA 5 Online)
ReplyDelete행운이 따르는 에볼루션카지노 확인해보세요
ReplyDeleteShould You Tip Your 카지노사이트 Dealer?
ReplyDelete'Play Like the Dealer' 메이저추천 Strategy: Does It Work?
ReplyDeleteخرید نهال بادام
ReplyDeleteویزیت پزشک در منزل
ReplyDeletetiktok jeton hilesi
ReplyDeletetiktok jeton hilesi
referans kimliği nedir
gate güvenilir mi
tiktok jeton hilesi
paribu
btcturk
bitcoin nasıl alınır
yurtdışı kargo
I've been searching for hours on this topic and finally found your post. 슬롯사이트 , I have read your post and I am very impressed. We prefer your opinion and will visit this site frequently to refer to your opinion. When would you like to visit my site?
ReplyDelete"You are so intriguing! I figure I haven't really scrutinized anything equivalent already.
ReplyDeleteIt's uncommon to find someone who has a certified idea on this point.
Genuinely, thank you for starting this.
※사설토토※사설토토사이트※토토사이트※
오랫동안 많은 업체들과 함께 데이터 베이스를
구축하였으며 유져님들께서 안전한 놀이터
및 메이저 사이트에서 부담없이
최적의 스포츠게임을 즐기실수 있게 최고의
토토사이트를 제공해드립니다
※토토사이트 검증※
추천받으실수 있습니다.
This webpage is a necessary thing on the Internet,
somewhat creative person!토토사이트"
I think your website has a lot of useful knowledge. I'm so thankful for this website.
ReplyDeleteI hope that you continue to share a lot of knowledge.
This is my website.
넷마블머니상
Thank you. I realized a lot of things using this. Thank you for always writing good things.
ReplyDeleteThere are a lot of good comments on my homepage.
Please visit. It's my website.
온라인바둑이
evden eve nakliyat
ReplyDeleteinstagram takipçi satın al
instagram takipçi satın al
instagram beğeni satın al
tiktok takipçi satın al
bitcoin nasıl alınır
plaj havlusu
toptan zeytinyağı
bardak makinası
seo fiyatları
ReplyDeletesaç ekimi
dedektör
instagram takipçi satın al
ankara evden eve nakliyat
fantezi iç giyim
sosyal medya yönetimi
mobil ödeme bozdurma
kripto para nasıl alınır
instagram beğeni satın al
ReplyDeleteyurtdışı kargo
seo fiyatları
saç ekimi
dedektör
fantazi iç giyim
sosyal medya yönetimi
farmasi üyelik
mobil ödeme bozdurma
bitcoin nasıl alınır
ReplyDeletetiktok jeton hilesi
youtube abone satın al
gate io güvenilir mi
referans kimliği nedir
tiktok takipçi satın al
bitcoin nasıl alınır
mobil ödeme bozdurma
mobil ödeme bozdurma
Mmorpg Oyunlar
ReplyDeleteİnstagram takipci satin al
Tiktok jeton hilesi
tiktok jeton hilesi
Sac ekimi antalya
TAKİPÇİ SATIN AL
İnstagram Takipçi Satın Al
metin2 pvp serverlar
takipci
I like the helpful info you provide in your articles. I’ll bookmark your blog and check again here frequently. I’m quite sure I’ll learn plenty of new stuff right here! Good luck for the next. 먹튀검증업체
ReplyDeleteGet Custom Assignment Help from Professionals. My Assignment Help, has a dedicated team of academic experts who are capable to provide the best advice for your assignment help, , who have many years of experience of practice.
ReplyDeleteHi! This is my first visit to your blog! We are a team of volunteers and new initiatives in the same niche. Blog gave us useful information to work. You have done an amazing job! 메이저토토사이트 Thank you very much. Can I refer to your post on my website? Your post touched me a lot and helped me a lot. If you have any questions, please visit my site and read what kind of posts I am posting. I am sure it will be interesting.
ReplyDeletebostansepeti.com
ReplyDeletesite kurma
ürünler
vezirsosyalmedya.com
postegro
sosyal medya yönetimi
surucukursuburada.com
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteHi Jody!
ReplyDeleteFirst of all, I want to say that I am a huge fan of your blogs.
About the blog, all the facts and tips that you have added are more than helpful to the new writers and help us to get a better understanding of the writing profession and let us pursue it.
This article is for sure the best guide for writing I have ever read. The online courses point is the missing thing that most lack. We think that we can learn it from google of youtube.
Thanks for sharing this guide with us.
Cheers,
Writing a business profile: We're committed to giving you work of the highest caliber. Here, we're helping you create a business profile for your enterprise that will support its adaptability while preserving seo content writing uk a traditional yet professional image.
ReplyDeleteWriting Business Reports:
We are aware of how hard it is to juggle work and other pressing matters; doing so all at once may be stressful. You don't have to worry about those business reports, though, since we have organized them for you. Get an original, impressive, and professional business report by providing the details.
Congratulations on your article, it was very helpful and successful. e593f8f59ff5c4f1ed80d39342cf8745
ReplyDeletenumara onay
website kurma
website kurma
Thank you for your explanation, very good content. dfdaf7697dc02707377881f82bb4b83a
ReplyDeletedefine dedektörü
Thanks for your article. 84b5c3c0e41e442b3e958725164efeb5
ReplyDeleteevden iş imkanı
Good content. You write beautiful things.
ReplyDeletemrbahis
taksi
sportsbet
mrbahis
vbet
hacklink
vbet
hacklink
korsan taksi
Good text Write good content success. Thank you
ReplyDeletepoker siteleri
tipobet
mobil ödeme bahis
betpark
slot siteleri
betmatik
kibris bahis siteleri
kralbet
This post is on your page i will follow your new content.
ReplyDeletesportsbet giriş
mrbahis
mrbahis.co
sportsbet
casino siteleri
betgaranti.online
sportsbetgiris.net
casino siteleri
mrbahis giriş
"‘My Quick Writer’ is a reliable Essay writing service in Malaysia to obtain top-notch assistance with writing argumentative, critical, narrative, descriptive, reflective, accounting and business essays.
ReplyDelete"
‘My Quick Writer’ is a reliable Essay writing service in Malaysia to obtain top-notch assistance with writing argumentative, critical, narrative, descriptive, reflective, accounting and business essays.
ReplyDeletethanks for sharing this is very helpful
ReplyDeletebetmatik
kralbet
betpark
tipobet
slot siteleri
kibris bahis siteleri
poker siteleri
bonus veren siteler
mobil ödeme bahis
TGNBH