Tips on How to Become a Better Writer

Writing is a skill that improves through practice and determination. Whether you are a professional writer or writing as a hobby, becoming a better writer can help you convey your thoughts, ideas, and messages with clarity and precision.

Here are some tips that can help you become a better writer:

Read widely

Reading various writing materials is one of the best ways to improve your writing. When you read books, articles, and other written materials, you can learn new words, sentence structures, and writing styles. Observing how other writers communicate their ideas can improve your writing style and approach.

Write regularly

Writing each day, or at least regularly, can help you improve your writing. Writing is a skill that requires practice, so the more you write, the better you will become. Frequent writing can also help you identify the areas where you need improvement.

Know your audience

Before writing, it’s vital to know your audience. Think about who you are writing for, and tailor works accordingly. For example, if your audience is children, you should use simple language and avoid jargon. If your audience is professionals, you may need to use technical terms and industry-specific wording.

Use simple language

Use simple language. Avoid using long and complex words that your audience may not understand. Your writing should be easy to read and comprehend. Using simple language also helps to convey your ideas more clearly.

Edit and proofread

Editing and proofreading your work is essential for improving your writing. Take the time to read, looking for grammatical errors. You can also ask friends or colleagues to review your work and offer suggestions for improvement.

Write with purpose

When writing, have a clear purpose or goal. Think about what you want to achieve, and write with that goal in mind. Focus on what you write to convey a clear message or idea. To become a better writer, following tips from others may help at times.

Use active voice

Using active voice can make your writing more engaging and dynamic. In active voice, the subject of the sentence acts, while in passive voice, the subject receives the action. Active voice helps to make your writing more clear and concise.

Seek feedback

Seeking feedback from others can help you improve your writing. Ask friends, colleagues, or writing groups to review your work and offer suggestions for improvement. Listening to feedback and making necessary changes can help you become a better writer.

Take breaks

Take breaks to improve writing. Writing for long periods can be mentally and physically exhausting, leading to burnout. Taking breaks can help you recharge and renew with a fresh perspective.

Stay organized

Staying organized is essential for effective writing. Keeping notes, outlines, and drafts organized can help you stay focused and on track. Being organized can also help you stay motivated and productive.

In conclusion, becoming a better writer takes time, practice, and determination. By reading widely, writing regularly, and seeking feedback, you can improve your writing skills and become a more effective communicator. Tips to become a better writer are helpful, so feel free to research. Remember to stay organized, write purposely, and take breaks to avoid burnout. With these tips, you can take your writing to the next level.

The Glass Heart

Previously published in the Penman Review

“The Glass Heart”

There stood a glass heart in a case randomly taken down.

So many times has it been replaced, shifted, and moved around.

The glass heart had been cracked, but never broken.

It had been smeared and scratched from hand prints holding.

Yet, the glass heart endured the tests of time;

most assured that it would be fine.

It was taken down and put back up.

It was lost and found; tossed and shook.

The glass heart whipped clean was one day taken down.

The heart was stolen shortly after it was found.

The sad heart never knew its fate,

as it was shattered across the palace floor that awful date.

It was day eleven before its birth date.

Yes, the heart was shattered before Valentine’s Day.

The heart lies in pieces across the palace floor.

The case is empty that keeps it, as the glass heart is no more.

KAT HOUSE – FULL STORY

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KAT HOUSE – EXCERPT

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KAT HOUSE – FIRST PAGE

KAT HOUSE

It was almost that time again… . I could smell the smoke and taste the alcohol already, and I was just sitting in sixth period. A bunch of blonde haired white girls sat cackling in the back of the room. I didn’t know if this was because the tracks from her nappy weave were probably showing or because Beatrice had just got up to walk to Mr. Wyatt’s desk. Beatrice was about the size of all of those skinny winches put together. In the hood, the boys on Elder Street would think her body was off the chain, but this wasn’t the hood, and the boys on Elder Street can’t hold a candle to these white folks. Beatrice walked past me again, slightly bumping my desk.

“Sorry,” Beatrice said in a low, raspy voice that reminded me of Marilyn Monroe.

Those girls would be surprised that I knew who Marilyn Monroe was, but I studied her for my music appreciation class last year. The smell of fresh menstrual blood passed me, too. Beatrice’s period was on. That was why she went up there to see Mr. Wyatt. Didn’t somebody teach her to count the days for when her cycle was gonna come on? My Auntie J taught me before she got killed…I wasn’t nothing but nine years old. That seemed like a lifetime ago now. Maybe Beatrice is like me. Maybe nobody don’t care about her neither. I heard the girls in the back snicker again. Yep, it wasn’t me they were laughing at this time.

The smell was getting high now. It reminded me of the Kat House; the smell of unwashed bodies when it was some of the girls’ time of month. I suggested that they stay home during that time, but Marcy was about her money. She didn’t care if they didn’t have no legs; as long as they could be laid, they were fair game for her.

“Ya gonna bleed anyways,” is what Marcy told me as a solution to the problem. Then she added, “Just cause you a high yella heifer, you thank you better den dem otha guls?”