How to Become a Stronger Writer
Just about anyone can become a stronger writer. However, a writer needs to create a plan to help him focus on his goals. That includes defining the type of writing he wants to do and the reasons he wants to do it. Some of the best writers also are avid readers. Reading helps a writer develop his own style as he determines what he likes and dislikes about other written work.
Instructions
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Brush up on your grammar. People often avoid writing or find it difficult to write because they're uncertain about proper grammar. It will always be difficult to write well if you haven't mastered basic grammar.
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Decide whether you want to strengthen your skills as a fiction or nonfiction writer. It will be easier to become a stronger writer if you choose the type of writing that most appeals to you.
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Narrow your focus further by choosing the type of fiction or nonfiction writing you want to do. If you want to become a stronger nonfiction writer, you may want to focus on technical writing, which includes writing instruction manuals or reports for work.
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Read the type of writing that interests you. Fiction writers who want to write better mysteries should scrutinize mysteries they like and dislike. Nonfiction writers who focus on current events should read newspapers and news websites, taking note of good and bad reporting.
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Make a list of the things you like and dislike about another person's writing. For example, if you think a technical writer's instructions are unclear, list specific reasons you think they're imprecise. Note any portions of the instructions you find helpful and keep them for future reference.
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Rewrite the sections of another person's writing that you dislike. This can help make you a stronger writer by causing you to determine how to make wordy or unclear writing more precise or descriptive.
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Know your audience. When you begin to write your own material, make sure you know who is most likely to read it. For example, a consumer report about a new computer shouldn't use technical words the average consumer wouldn't understand.
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Keep reference books handy and use them. As children, we're often told we should look up words in a dictionary to learn their spelling and meaning. You'll be a stronger writer if you stick to this principle. Adults often unknowingly misuse words that are closely related by the way they're spelled or pronounced.
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