After decades of writing I have an established style, yet try to improve my work. My options include writing courses, conferences, day-long workshops, and joining a writers' group. Some options are more appealing than others. I'm not interested in taking more courses, for example, or joining a writer's group because I've done these things before.
You may be trying to improve your work. The options available to you may depend on where you live and the training you already have. Cost also influences your options.
Aaron Potts, in a Today is That Day website article, "Self Improvement Plan: Write it Down -- and Read It," thinks written goals are powerful success tip. This tip has many advantages, according to Potts. First, writing down your goals forces you to be specific. Written goals may serve as a daily reminder. Seeing your goals in print or handwriting makes them real. Finally, written goals may be used to reposition yourself for success.
"Write down your goals in the form of a document, not a list!" Potts advises. I made that document and my goals include adding long sentences to break up short prose, learning new vocabulary words, and focusing on summary paragraphs at the end of chapters.
The Writerly Life blog posted an article that grabbed my attention instantly, "Why That Writing Improvement Book Won't Help You." According to the author, who lists his or her initials as BLH, these books are often vague and advice like "find your center" isn't helpful. Often these books encourage "homogenous writing," the author continues, and that doesn't help either. Finally, the author says these books tend to be more about marketing than writing.
The article pertains to fuction writing and, though I write nonfiction, I found it helpful. Besides, I already own books about writing and don't want to spend money on more.
The Janel's Jumble blog addresses writing skills in a post titled, "Writing Improvement Tools." The author of the post jots down a story idea each day. These notes include scenes, character sketches, beginning and ending sentences. Each week Janel writes a story from a prompt. "I tend to think EVERY story I write could eventually be published," she declares. Her final tip is to read in an unfamiliar genre, something I do and enjoy.
To improve my writing I take a break and read poetry or mysteries. Robert Frost's poems always inspire me and I note his word choices and descriptive language. For a change of pace I've read books about marketing and economics. While I'm interested in marketing, economics can be a turn-off.
In the end, I've found writing is what improves an author's work. So I keep practicing and practicing. Waiting a month and then reading my manuscript again is one of the most helpful things I do. Do you want to improve your writing? Consider your options, pick the best, and pursue them. Most of all, keep writing!
Copyright 2011 by Harriet Hodgson
http://www.harriethodgson.com/
Harriet Hodgson has been an independent journalist for 35+ years. Her 24th book, "Smiling Through Your Tears: Anticipating Grief," written with Lois Krahn, MD, is available from Amazon. Centering Corporation published her 26th book, "Writing to Recover: The Journey from Loss and Grief to a New Life," a companion journal, "The Spiritual Woman: Quotes to Refresh and Sustain Your Soul," and "Happy Again! Your New and Meaningful Life After Loss."
Hodgson has two other new books out, "101 Affirmations to Ease Your Grief Journey," and "Real Meals on 18 Wheels: A Guide for Healthy Living on the Highway," Kathryn Clements, RD, co-author. Both books are available from Amazon. Please visit Harriet's website and learn more about this busy author and grandmother.
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