How to be a Better Writer
Like many aspiring writers, the pandemic was the beginning of my writing career. For a decade, a story had been playing in my mind, so I finally sat down, opened a blank document, and let the words pour out.
By the time I typed “The End,” I was convinced I’d written a masterpiece.
Well, I hadn’t.
The characters were flat, the plot was weak, and my pages were nothing but filler words and clichés—basically every rookie mistake in the book, none of which I could see. So, I proudly sent my story to family and friends. *still cringing to this day*
Writing a book is a solitary journey for most of us. We sit alone in coffee shops, at parks, or in our homes, drafting scenes we hope our future readers will love as much as we do. But when we’re too close to our stories to see the flaws, how do we improve our writing skills?
In this post, I’ll share the tips and techniques that helped—and continue to help—me improve my craft and become a better writer.
Get Unbiased Feedback
Getting feedback is one of the most difficult yet crucial steps in a writer's journey. But it shouldn’t come from family or friends. Loved ones might hesitate to point out flaws in your writing, and if they’re only offering compliments (or, in many cases, complete and utter silence), then they aren’t helping you improve.
Getting unbiased feedback from strangers might sting, but it’s worth it. Every time I hire a beta reader or an editor, I always come out a better writer.
When I was writing my pandemic book, I honestly thought my scenes were works of art. Whenever I read them, they played like movies in my mind. But my readers couldn’t visualize anything because, little did I know, the images in my head didn’t translate to the page. The story had absolutely no descriptions! I’d mention the hero kneeling before a statue, but what did the statue look like? What did the hero look like?
Nowadays, I get compliments on my descriptions.
You can find critique partners in writing groups, both online and in person, or hire readers on platforms like Fiverr. Many editors offer beta reading services and manuscript evaluations, too.
Read Diversely
Everyone says reading is necessary for honing writing skills. And this is true. But churning through one bestseller after another can make the craft seem easy. How can we learn if we don’t see the flaws?
To truly grasp the nuances and pitfalls of writing, read works by new and upcoming authors. Become a critique partner or a beta reader. If something about the story seems off, try to figure out why. You might find that you make the same mistakes.
I once beta-read a book that was wonderfully written, with believable characters, action, and a sprinkle of romance. It should have been a great story, but it didn’t hook me. I found myself not caring about what happened. So, I took the time to figure out why. That’s when I realized the story had no stakes. I told the author that her characters needed something to lose if they failed at their missions. This insight also helped me recognize that my own characters were lacking stakes in the book I was writing.
Of course, you should still enjoy the masterpieces, but read them twice: once to absorb the story and again to study the techniques.
Explore Craft Books
A wealth of valuable writing advice is available at our fingertips in the form of craft books. While many new writers stick to the basics of story structure, like Save the Cat!, I suggest branching out into the more creative aspects of writing.
Good storytelling skills are way more important than memorizing structure. Dive into resources that explore conflict, tension, goals, and motivations. Learn how to captivate your readers with characters and scenes that resonate on a deeper level.
I used to stress over story structure all the time, constantly worried that mine wasn’t perfect. I spent hours, days, and weeks trying to mold my book to fit a rigid outline. But when I shifted my focus to things like emotion and motivations, my scenes became more engaging. My stories became character-driven, and my writing flowed more naturally from one scene to the next
I believe in letting the characters guide the story; your editor can help with revisions later on if needed.
Here are a few of my favorite craft books on writing:
Writing with Emotion, Tension, and Conflict by Cheryl St.John
The Emotional Craft of Fiction by Donald Maass
Goal, Motivation & Conflict by Debra Dixon
Remember, growth takes time and effort. The book I wrote during the pandemic may never see the light of day, but it wasn’t a waste. I learned from it, and now I’m a better writer because of it. So, embrace the challenges, seek out honest feedback, and immerse yourself in diverse reading experiences.
Happy writing!
