Mastering Words: How to Grow as a Writer

It’s human nature to hide our weaknesses from others, but the hard truth is that if we try to cover up our flaws in writing, it will keep us from success.

I know those are hard words to hear. None of us like to be judged, and we all know that our writing can be improved. But here’s the thing: writing weaknesses are normal. We all have them, no matter where we are at in our journey. But it’s okay because there is no finish line, no point we reach where we’re “good enough.” No matter how adept we become at writing, there will always be room to grow. And that, my friends, is a wonderful thing!

So, how can you grow and become an even better writer than you are now?

Attitude

All writers share a common epiphany on the writing path. I call it Staring Into The Abyss. This experience happens when our writing has strengthened to the point where blissful ignorance rubs away and we begin to realize just how much we don’t know.

It’s a dark moment, a bleak moment. We feel shock. Frustration. Despair. Some stop right there on the path, their writing spirits broken. Others take a micro-step forward, progressing toward the most important stages leading to growth: acceptance and determination.

Once we come to terms with what we don’t know, we can set out to learn it. Taking on the attitude of a Learner is what separates an amateur from a PRO.

Asking for help

Writers can strengthen their skills on their own, but it’s a lot of hard work. Reaching out to other writers will shorten the learning curve considerably. Critique partners can help identify your weak areas and offer strategies to improve. They also will know of resources that might help.

There are MANY great sites where you can find a critique partner or two. I highly recommend The Critique Circle (free & safe to post work, and where Becca and I met!)

The no-brainer: Read

No matter what areas need to be worked on, books can help. Find inspiration through your favorite fiction authors and writing ‘how-to’ books (here’s a great list to start with). Pick up a few and take notes.

If you can, pair up with another writer to read the same book and then discuss it. Learning together gives you a better chance to fully understand any topic. Becca and I did this for an entire year, and our understanding of writing craft soared. It was time well spent.

Resources, resources, resources

There are thousands of articles on writing that can teach strong writing techniques. Plotting, Story Structure, Voice, Description, Showing vs Telling, Style, Dialogue, Characters…whatever areas you want to develop, there is content to help you.

If you would like to see what we have, go here and look for this section:

The trick is finding the best nuggets of information without wasting your whole day online. This Search Engine for Writers is a good choice, too. Pay attention to great article round-ups like Maureen Crisp’s excellent one.

Think outside the monitor

Many of us are introverts, and it’s easy to get caught up on the keyboard and screen. There’s nothing wrong with this unless your rectangular life preserver is holding you back. writing groups, conferences, workshops, and retreats are all excellent opportunities to hone writing skills and meet mentors. Writing events need not be expensive–get involved in a local writing group and see what events have a low or no cost for members.

When you’re looking for opportunities to learn, don’t forget the movies. So much can be gleaned by watching films to see what makes them work. Some of our biggest epiphanies as writers will come from studying screenwriting. I highly recommend reading Save the Cat & Writing Screenplays that Sell (affiliate links). These books are pure gold. Trust me, your writing will thank you!

Write and rewrite

Transforming writing weaknesses into strengths will take time. Choose learning strategies that work best for you, and never stop writing. Each step of the way, apply newfound knowledge to the page. We learn most of all by doing, so always make time to write.

Chances are, you have more than one area where you can grow as a writer. If you feel overwhelmed, take it one facet at a time. Hone your skills in one area, then shift your focus to the next thing you want to start to master. Remember, this isn’t a race. Bit by bit, you will elevate your writing and feel proud of how far you have come.

Happy Writing!