5 Habits That Will Make You a Better Writer

I despise reading an article with the intent of learning something, only to waste my time reading fairly obvious statements.

And so, I do my best to ensure I am not creating time-wasting information for my readers. To quote Beetlejuice, “I won’t. I won’t do it.”

In this piece, I will give you six tasks that IF developed into habits, will not only improve your writing skills but will likely improve other aspects of your life (relationships) as well.

In an effort to not waste time, let’s get to it.

No, wait. Read what I have to say about observation before chocking this up to the articles I loathe.

Everything and everyone around you are a part of your story, and if you take the time to physically notice these things, you can embed them into your story.

For instance, where are you right now? Are you reading this on your phone or computer? Are you sitting at a table or standing in line? Are there other people around you? What time of day is it? Is it dark or light? Etc.

Instead of saying: “I read about how to be a better writer.”

You could say: “I read a great piece today. It was about the five habits I need to incorporate into my daily life to become a better writer. It was intriguing. I almost didn’t notice the couple at the table next to me trying to placate their fussy baby. Luckily, the dim lighting and the soothing melody from the speaker created a peaceful atmosphere, comforting the baby and melding the aura of the small coffee café into serenity. I was able to finish the article. It was quite informative, and I can see myself following her advice.”

Extraneous? Maybe. Maybe it’s not necessary to state it all, but it all plays into the moment.

So, all of that. But also, just observing people and interactions around you is a great study on humanity. It will come in handy both in writing and in relating to others day-to-day.

Speaking of observing humanity, listening is a fantastic means of doing just that.  I’m not saying eavesdropping is the way to go but hear what you hear and consider it all a gift.

Listening is especially essential in your own interactions. Listen to the people speaking to you. Listen to their words and the tone. Hear the emphasis and the emotion. Do they drop their sentence before it’s finished? Are you inferring the meaning or hearing it?

What other sounds do you hear? Is there music in the background? If you’re talking on the phone, can you hear other people talking? The television? Do you hear keyboard clicks?

Also, what sounds are missing? Depending on your location and the person with whom you are speaking, what do you expect to hear but don’t? Are there any pauses in the conversation? Any sighs?

As an added bonus to better writing, listening well has the potential to enhance your communication skills.

Who has the time to read – am I right?

I am right, and it’s you  – you have the time to read. You might have to move a few things around, but I’m sure you’ll see the value and follow through.

Next question – what should you be reading? Things similar to what you want to write? Sure.

Other stuff? Definitely.

Read anything you want. Read to gain knowledge. Read to stay current. Read to know where we’ve been, could have been, and what can be.

Read to know the language people relate to today. Then do it again tomorrow because chances are something has changed.

Read books you’ve already read. Read the back of the cereal box. Read the ingredients list on the foods you buy. Read an instruction manual. Read the directions.

Just read as much as you can. It will make you a better writer. It will also make you a more interesting person, even if you only talk to yourself.

I know, I know. This is pretty intuitive. Writing is necessary to become a good writer.

However, so often people wait to write until they are good at it. That’s not really how it works. You can’t just be a better writer.

You have to work at it. You have to write terribly or even just not so well in order to improve.

And (this is important so write this down)…

You don’t know what you’re capable of until you do it. You don’t know how much you’ve improved until you write again and again and again (x∞).

You can observe and listen and read all day, every day. But until you put the pen to paper, you’re not improving your writing.

And if you think reading made you a more interesting person, wait till you see what writing (being a writer) can do.

It’s a twofer. I suppose you could call this critiquing, but I think that comes off a little too negative. And it’s important to stress the good as much as the bad.

Generally speaking, you should be able to read your work and tear it apart honestly.

Know what’s trash. Know what needs work. And know when you have a sweet, little golden nugget in your work.

When something doesn’t fit and needs to be removed, remove it. If you love it, save it for use in later writing. You must look out for the value of the completed work, not bits and pieces.

And when something really works, celebrate it! It’s just as important to keep the good as it is to drop the bad.

If you can learn to honestly critique your own work, you will become a more likable person. I’d guarantee it, but there’s really no way to do that. So, let’s just say all things considered, you are likely to be more likable. To some degree.

Well, there you have it. Me honestly telling you six realistic, legal ways to be a better writer.

None of these are a one-and-done. They are habits you purposely create.

You’re not born either a writer or not. Writing is something you do and can improve upon and become an expert.

It’s up to you to do the work and be consistent.

Which habit will be the most work for you?