So, 8 steps to improved writing. It’s intimidating to write a how to (or should that be how-to) post about writing. I mean, readers are going to search for my mistakes. I know I would, and that’s my first point. Your writing will never be perfect, so don’t sweat it.

8 Steps to Improved Writing

  1. If you wait for perfection, you’ll never publish

I have the advantage of deadlines for my work content. I don’t have time to obsess over perfection. However, I’m often struck down with perfection paralysis when writing fiction for fun. The way I get past my fear is to pick up my pen and write. (Okay, I don’t use a pen.) For almost one year I’ve committed to 30 minutes a day writing fiction. I have more than 40,000 words. Make a commitment to write.

  1. Write every day

The best way to improve as a writer is to write. Write a lot. Write about multiple topics. Try many genres. It’s not a complicated plan, but it is hard work.

  1. Read a lot

Read books, stories, and blogs. Dissect what you like. Learn from your favorite writers.

  1. Take a class or attend a workshop

One of the best four hours I ever spent was at a business writing working shop held by a local university. There are classes, workshops, and webinars available to everyone.

  1. Join a writer’s critique group

I belonged to a group that met weekly. When I joined, the group said they didn’t sugar coat their critiques. It was what I needed. I only cried twice.

  1. Keep it simple

Use the best word, not the biggest. Cut sentences to the essentials. Be precise. Avoid insider jargon.

  1. Be prepared to write

Do you block out time to write, sit behind your keyboard, and then wonder what you will write? How difficult is that? Before you write, take time to choose a topic, form an idea, make an outline, and complete research. How to Defeat Writer’s Block

  1. Edit, edit, edit

Turn off spellcheck and write. Let it sit 24 hours before you begin editing. Read it out loud—review one sentence at a time, starting with the last sentence. Invest in software such as Grammarly and find a like-minded editor that compliments your weaknesses.

Are you ready to commit to being a better writer? 

You can read, write, prepare, and edit your way to improved writing, but it takes discipline to stay focused on the goal. Are you ready to commit to six weeks? Here’s your assignment.

Week one – Write 1000 words every day for the week. I didn’t say it had to be great.

Week two – Spend a minimum of one hour reading daily.

Week three – Attend a workshop or webinar on writing.

Week four – Join a writer’s group face-to-face or online. If you can’t find one, start one, it only takes two of you to begin.

Week five – Write 1000 words on Monday, cut it in half on Tuesday repeat twice.

Week six – Complete the six actions in 6 Ways to Never Run Out of Blog Post Ideas

If you have any questions, please give me a shout. When you have completed all six, I’d love to hear from you. Okay, how many mistakes did you find in this post?

How Can I Help You? 

Let me know if I can offer any help or advice. If this post struck a nerve, you might want to check out my book, How to Stay Ahead of Your Business Blog Forever. The book is full of action plans to create a blogging/writing system that works for you.

Photo by Darius Bashar on Unsplash