Whether you are writing an essay, a report, a blog post or a book, the question: how to learn to write well, was asked by each of us. So what really makes a person a good writer? Let's figure it out.
Start with the basics
Before you can start writing incredible content, you need at least an intermediate understanding of the basic principles of writing. You need to know the basics of grammar and spelling. It is not necessary to refer to the origins, such as the prescription “I want to write well.”
However, every writer should have a copy of Vinogradov's The Russian Language on their bookshelf, as this invaluable book is one of the most comprehensive resources for the correct use of Russian grammar and vocabulary. And a truly good text always begins with literacy.
How to write well?
If you want to improve a skill, the solution is always the same - practice! Unfortunately, there are no secrets that can turn you into an amazing writer overnight. Even the most talented masters of the word have learned their trade for years. So you need to practice, practice and write again!Constant work will relieve the fear of a blank page and help develop a unique style. So even if no one is reading, keep writing. Practice makes perfect.
Read like it's your job
It's obvious that writers are into reading. Reading on a regular basis is an easy way to start developing your writing skills. Expand your horizons to more complex variety of materials. In the process, pay attention to sentence structure, choice of vocabulary, and presentation of material.
Find a contact partner
If you want to know how to write well, then try to connect with people who also secretly harbor a desire to become writers. Even though writing is usually considered a solitary activity, from time to time a writer needs feedback on their work. Talk to your colleagues (or friends) and ask one of them to read your work. They may notice errors you may have overlooked.
What attracts you?
Most of us read without understanding why we find text attractive. Find works you really like and print them.
Then, just like your high school English teacher, pick up a red pen and highlight what you like: sentences, phrases, even entire paragraphs. Explore why you like these elements. See how the author moves smoothly from one subject to another. Apply these techniques to your own work.
Imitate
Imitation is not the same as plagiarism. You probably have favorite authors. Determine what you like about their work and see if you can use their techniques to improve your own writing skills. Does the writer like to use humor to spice up dry topics? Try this trick. Do they use pop culture references? Apply this to your work. Feel free to search for your style.
If you want to know how to be able to write competently and well, then pay attention to the following practical tips for working with text. Improving your writing skills is a matter of knowing what you can do to give text a better texture.
Know what you are writing about
Albert Einstein said, "If you can't explain it to a six year old, you don't understand it yourself." Before you start writing, try to mentally explain the concept of your future text to a six-year-old child. If the purpose of the text is to achieve a certain result, ask yourself what it should be. Have a clear purpose.
Brevity is the sister of talent
Incoherent, wordy writing makes text difficult to read and understand. A lot of "water" can make the reader feel like your words lack persuasiveness. Start practicing the skill of writing clearly and concisely.
Simple language
Another secret to how to write well is to learn how to use vocabulary correctly. Roughly speaking, there are three typeswords:
- words we know;
- words we need to know;
- words no one knows.
Forget those in the third category and favor the second type. There is a difference between a person who has a rich vocabulary and a person who deliberately uses difficult terms in his text in order to make it pompous. Even if you want to be poetic in your work, keep it simple and direct.
Exclude filler words and phrases
So, if you are wondering how to write correctly, then the following tip will be incredibly helpful. Get rid of filler words.
There are phrases and expressions that regularly appear in our letter, and yet do not contribute anything to the text. Of course, sometimes they give meaning and mood to the work, but in most cases they contribute nothing but confusion.
Play with structure
Literary giants can write long complex sentences with taste. Let's remember Nabokov, Tolstoy or Dostoyevsky. Long sentences that could sometimes stretch to half a page were, perhaps, their hallmark. Nevertheless, endless sentences are more difficult for readers to perceive. Favor short, less complex designs. Just add long sentences to your writing from time to time.
Read your text aloud
Speaking of fluency, reading aloud will help youdetermine whether the sentences of the text flow smoothly. If it sounds sloppy and "cut off", add a couple of sentences to get rid of the steady monotonous rhythm.
If you find yourself tripping or losing your thread while reading, you may have found a sentence that is too complex and needs to be corrected. Do you want to know how to write well? Then read your work out loud because it really works.
Reflect yourself in lyrics
By emphasizing your personality, by conveying the ideas you really stand for, you can best develop your writing style. Use phrases and slang that you normally use (within reason). When appropriate, add anecdotes. Feel free to be yourself in all but the most formal or professional writing. If you ask the most successful writers about how to write well, they will definitely answer - write from the heart. The reader always feels the falsity and slyness of the work. Be honest and open with your audience.
Certainly, there is no universal secret how to write correctly. Only a constant search for "your" theme, style and audience will help you achieve success. Improve your writing, look for inspiration and don't stop. Open a text editor or grab a notepad and pen and start writing. Yes, yes, right now. Go!
