Want a simple way to significantly improve your writing skills? I’ll tell you what it is–but you’ve got to really start doing it. It’s very simple and probably way too overlooked.
Looking back, I’ve realized that what has most benefited my writing ability has nothing to do with any actual writing exercises or rules. In fact, right this very moment, you’re developing your writing skills by already putting this advice into practice–before I share it.
Read.
Read widely, and read often. If you take the next month off from writing–don’t write anything–and just spend it reading as much as you can, I assure you, when you resume writing, your prose will improve. You may not pick up any specific writing tips during your hiatus, but through regular reading, you will naturally begin to really get a feel for what smooth and effective writing is, provided of course, that you read quality material.
I’m not even suggesting you read “how to write better” books. If you do, though, I recommend The Elements of Style, by Strunk and White, to start with. But, honestly, any type of books will do; read the newspaper, read popular blogs, read the backs of cereal boxes. The point is to start reading on a regular basis.
I’ve always been a huge reader…when I was around eight years old, I was addicted to the Hardy Boys series, and as I moved into my teens, I read tons of baseball magazines and books. I read Sports Illustrated magazine and the local sports page constantly. Now, I read my favorite magazines, Men’s Health and Men’s Journal each month, as well as Modern Reformation every other month.
I’ve always got a book going. Right now it’s Ward No. 6 and Other Stories by Anton Chekhov. I frequently pick up a magazine and scan it for interesting articles whenever I’m in 7-Eleven or Walgreens; I’m there to get a snack or some medicine, but if I pass the magazine rack, I usually stop and read for a few minutes.
When it comes time to write, because I’ve read so much, the words come so much easier to me. I think regularly reading good authors spurs your brain to begin naturally recognizing familiar ways of wording things and arranging ideas.
It’s the old idea that if you want to be successful, study those who are successful. It’s not so much the particular strategies that you learn–it’s the natural broadening of your vocabulary and enhanced ability to detect good writing from bad.
What about listening to great orators? One example could be recordings of Martin Luther King, Jr.
Or, if one listens to speakers on the radio, or wherever. My question is, can listening to gifted speakers contribute to ones writing ability, or not really?
Bamboo Forest’s last blog post..7 Reasons Finger Traps are Glorious
Enjoyed your article. Nonetheless, I would love a recommendation for a 9 grade English textbook, with lessons for me to perform.
David Porter’s last blog post..A Puritan’s Prayer on the Doctrine of Election
Looks good. And yeh you do like to read a lot haha
Very nice article!
One of my favorite books, as a child, was titled; “She Wanted to Read.” It was the story of a negro slave girl who wanted to read. The story told about the girl’s battle to learn during slavery times. I believe that this book inspired me to write. Because of this tale, I have always felt fortunate that I could learn how to read.
David, I recently came across this:
Teachers Guide Highlight:
Drawn from the pages of Poets & Writers Magazine, the Teachers Guide offers resources and suggestions for engaging your students in exciting conversations about contemporary literary life.
There may be an idea there?
–Christina
I like this post — straight to the point.
For those of you looking for writing books, I’d also recommend “Eats, Shoots & Leaves” by Lynne Truss and Bill Bryson’s “Dictionary of Troublesome Words.” They’re fun in that nerdy kinda way.
Bamboo,
I think listening to gifted speakers would enhance one’s speaking ability and reading gifted writers would enhance one’s writing ability, although there could be some overlap there.
David ,
Thanks. I don’t know of any, but perhaps one of the readers does have a recommendation for a 9th grade English textbook with lessons. I would think any advanced grammar textbook would suffice. I’m sure there are some on Amazon.
Phillip,
I do.
Christina,
Thanks. Childhood reading really impacted my adult reading habits and writing ability. Looks like the same for you.
Zoe,
I’ve heard quite a bit about both “Eats, Shoots & Leaves” by Lynne Truss and Bill Bryson’s “Dictionary of Troublesome Words,” although I haven’t read either. I’ll have to get ahold of them at some point. Thanks for the recommendations.
For those looking for a Freshman English composition textbook, I suggest “The Lively Art of Writing” by Lucille Vaughan Payne. It’s a small paperback. The examples are dated but the advice is solid. Students may not love the book, but it will improve their writing.
With regard to the essay at hand, shouldn’t the heading “Two Widely Published Authors Say Writing is Crucial” be “Two Widely Published Authors Say READING is Crucial”?
Jerry,
Thanks for the recommendation.
And YES, the subheading should say “reading,” not writing.
In other words, “Hardcore proofreading is crucial as well.”
Good catch. Inexcusable of me.
Changed.
Good call Jerry. But let’s not draw too much attention to the fumble of Jesse. It’s uncivilized.
What does everyone else think?
Bamboo Forest’s last blog post..7 Reasons Finger Traps are Glorious
The Easiest Way to Become a Better Writer : Robust Writing…
The Easiest Way to Become a Better Writer : Robust Writing:
The Easiest Way to Become a Better WriterAugust 20, 2008 · Print This ArticleWant a simple way to significantly improve your writing skills? I’ll tell you what it is–but you’ve got t…
I’ve heard this before.
It has proven out in my experience.
I’ve noticed that the worst writers I’ve seen have been people who weren’t particularly interested in reading.
I read for thirty years before I ever started writing. It took me that long to figure out that being well read was the only qualification I truly needed. Great post. See you soon.
Bamboo,
It’s not a problem for me. Since I advocate excellence in writing, I expect to be held to those standards myself. Plus, that subheading did need to be changed, since “writing” and “reading” are two very different things.
Nit-picking is one thing, and to be discouraged, but something like that which alters the meaning–I’m glad someone pointed it out so I could change it.
katie,
“I’ve noticed that the worst writers I’ve seen have been people who weren’t particularly interested in reading.”
I don’t doubt that.
Writer Dad,
Thanks. Being well read certainly increases your ability to write well. No question. Plus, it’s fun.
Hi Jesse,
I agree 100% — in fact I linked to this article in my last blog post.
I’ve also learned that it helps to “read with intent” — studying the great writers to see why something works, and figure out the mechanics of it. It might be deconstructing a passage or examining a particular turn of phrase. The idea is not to memorize it and copy it later, but more of a “monkey see, monkey do” kind of thing.
People certainly pick all these things up the more they read, but I’ve found you can pick it up faster if you make yourself conscious of the words you are reading.
~Graham
Graham Strong’s last blog post..Why Not Throw Stones at Our Glass Houses?
I read “Reading like a Writer” by Francine Post, and she actually teaches writers how to actively read to improve their writing.
http://www.amazon.com/Reading-Like-Writer-Guide-People/dp/0060777044
I can’t say that I don’t sometimes read just for the enjoyment of a good story, but this concept is powerfully effective when used regularly.
Thanks for the great post!
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Graham,
“it helps to ‘read with intent’ — studying the great writers to see why something works, and figure out the mechanics of it.”
Yes. I think writers naturally read stuff on several different levels: for the content and argument or story itself and also how the piece is written, as you say, the mechanics and style the authors uses, how he constructs it all.
Jamie,
Yeah, I think reading with intent, like Graham says, is a great way for reading to improve our writing.
But, there are plenty of times when I “read just for the enjoyment of a good story.” Sometimes, you just have to lean back and relax.
Thanks for your perspective.
Dang man, that’s a lot of comments. And it’s all about reading haha.
Well, i’m in Canada. That is actually a good post. Reading has enhanced my writing, although I still have quite a way to go.
Phillip Hines’s last blog post..Day 2: We drove over 1000 miles and landed somewhere in Montana
This is so true! I find when I am having a hard time with writer’s block I just need to read some more and everything works out fine!
Phillip,
How is Canada?
Just pick a book and read from it everyday until you finish it. Then get another and repeat.
Nicole,
Interesting approach–reading to stimulate your mind to break out of writer’s block.
“ust pick a book and read from it everyday until you finish it. Then get another and repeat.”
I think I read that off a shampoo bottle once.
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Right on the money !
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