It doesn't matter if you have to write an essay, a report, a blog post or a book, the question: how to learn to write well, each of us asked. 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 sources, such as the words “I want to write well.”
However, each writer must have a copy of Vinogradov's “Russian Language” on his bookshelf, as this invaluable book is one of the most comprehensive resources for the correct use of grammar and vocabulary of the Russian language. A truly good text always starts with literacy.
How to write well?
If you want to improve a skill, the solution is always one - practice! Unfortunately, there are no secrets that can turn you into an amazing writer in one night. Even the most talented lords of the word have studied their craft for many years. Therefore, you need to practice, practice and write again! Constant work will eliminate the fear of a blank page and help develop a unique style. Therefore, even if no one is reading, keep writing. Practice is the path to excellence.
Read like it's your job
Obviously, writers are keen on reading. Reading on a regular basis is an easy way to start developing your writing skills. Expand your horizons to more complex diverse materials. In the process, pay attention to the structure of sentences, the selection of vocabulary and presentation of material.
Find a contact partner
If you want to know how to write well, then try to contact people who secretly also have a desire to become writers. Despite the fact that writing is usually considered a solitary activity, from time to time the writer needs to receive feedback about his work. Talk to your colleagues (or friends) and ask one of them to read your work. They may notice errors that you might overlook.
What attracts you?
Most of us read without understanding why we find the text attractive. Find works that you really like and print them.
Then, like your high school English teacher, grab a red pen and highlight what you like: sentences, phrases, even whole paragraphs. Learn why you like these elements. See how the author moves smoothly from one subject to another. Apply these methods 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 methods to improve your writing skills. Does the writer like to use humor to revitalize dry topics? Try this trick. Do they use pop culture references? Apply it in your work. Feel free to look for your style.
If you want to know how to write correctly and well, then pay attention to the following practical tips on working on text. Improving your writing skills is a matter of understanding what you can do to give your text a better texture.
Understand what you write
Albert Einstein said: "If you cannot explain this to a six-year-old child, you yourself do not understand this." Before you start writing, try mentally explaining the concept of your future text to a six-year-old child. If the goal of the text is to achieve a specific result, ask yourself what it should be. Have a clear goal.
Brevity is the soul of wit
The incoherent, verbose writing makes the text difficult to read and understand. A large amount of “water” can make the reader feel that your words lack convincingness. Start practicing the skill of clear and concise writing.
Simple language
Another secret how to write well is to learn how to correctly use vocabulary. Relatively speaking, there are three types of words:
- words we know;
- words we need to know;
- words that no one knows.
Forget those in the third category and give preference to the second type. There is a difference between a person with a rich vocabulary and a person who intentionally uses complex terms in his text to make it bombastic. Even if you want to add poetry to your work, stick to a simple and direct language.
Exclude Filler Words and Phrases
So, if you are wondering how to write correctly, then the following tip will be incredibly useful. 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 the work meaning and mood, but in most cases they do not bring anything but disorder.
Play with structure
Giants of literature can write long difficult sentences with taste. Recall Nabokov, Tolstoy or Dostoevsky. Long sentences, which sometimes could stretch over half a page, were perhaps their calling card. Nevertheless, endless sentences are more difficult for readers to perceive. Give preference to shorter, less complex designs. Only occasionally dilute the written stream with long sentences.
Read your text out loud
Speaking of smooth operation, reading out loud will help you determine if sentences in a text flow smoothly. If it sounds sloppy and “tattered,” add a couple of sentences to get rid of a steady monotonous rhythm.
If you find that during the reading process you stumbled or lost a thread of text, then you probably managed to find a proposal that was too complicated and needed to be fixed. Want to know how to write well? Then read your work aloud because it really works.
Reflect yourself in texts
By emphasizing your personality and conveying ideas that you truly support, you can best develop your writing style. Use the phrases and slang that you usually apply (within reason). When appropriate, add jokes. Feel free to be yourself in all but the most formal or professional texts. 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 cunning of the work. Be honest and honest with your audience.
Of course, there is no universal secret on how to write. Only a constant search for "their" subjects, style and audience will help to achieve success. Improve your writing, seek inspiration and don't stop. Open a text editor or take a notebook with a pen and start writing. Yes, right now. Forward!