We can all be better writers. Is there anything more important? I may be biased, as I’ve always had an ardent love affair with the written word, but I really do think good writing is critical for almost anyone. It’s certainly key for anyone in public relations, my chosen profession. So what are some ways to become a better writer? I’ve got some ideas, and I’ve rounded up a few helpful resources as well.
1. For the love of blog! I have been a lifelong writer and journaler, and since about 2001 I’ve been blogging online and allowing others to read my work. I only started this professional blog a few months ago, but for seven years I’ve had a select group of friends who read and commented on my online journal. There’s nothing like an audience to make you dot your i’s and cross your t’s. Having a public blog now is really helping me sharpen my skill and hone my craft. Likewise, reading other blogs is a terrific way to get ideas and put the sparkle back in your pen.
2. Write out of the box. If you write as part of your job, are you in a rut? It’s pretty common. Think about taking on new assignments that will stretch you as a writer. For example, if you usually write for a B2B audience, ask if you can do some writing for your company newsletter or blog. Writing for consumer audiences sometimes allows a bit more creative freedom and flexibility. Likewise, if you usually write for a general audience, tackle a technical piece or business article. If you’re writing a plan or proposal, don’t do it the way you’ve always done it or stay within a typical template. Instead, find a way to work in some fresh language or vary the tone a bit. We owe it to ourselves, and our readers, to continually work on our words.
3. Short and Tweet. One of the benefits of microblogging through a service like Twitter is that it automatically tightens one’s copy. The 140-character restriction is a marvelous exercise in restraint. Telling a story, sharing an anecdote or even pitching a client in just 140 characters – without resorting to abbreviations or annoying text message shortucts – is quite an art form. I think Mark Twain would have liked Twitter; in 1880, he wrote “I notice that you use plain, simple language, short words and brief sentences. That is the way to write English – it is the modern way and the best way.”
4. Never stop reading. Whether it’s blogs or articles, short stories or books, reading broadens our minds and expands our vocabularies, making us better writers. There’s nothing like reading a truly fabulous author – J.K. Rowling, for example - to whet my appetite for writing. I’m a particular fan of so-called children’s books by C.S. Lewis, Roald Dahl and Phillip Pullman because of their imagination, creativity and phenomenal use of language. If you haven’t read any great fiction in a while, treat yourself to a great novel this summer – I love the site What Should I Read Next. If you’re looking for a good business read, I’m working on Now is Gone and Groundswell and both are terrific so far. And if you’re saying “who has time to read?” then try DailyLit, a service that emails you snippets of a book every day in three-minute chunks.
I’d love to hear your thoughts on writing – how important is it to you in your life or your work? How do you make sure you keep getting better?
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14 responses so far ↓
1 Alisha Levin // Jun 21, 2008 at 7:42 pm
As a PR student and intern, writing is so important to me. It seems to me that writing isn’t valued by most people who aren’t writers. That’s unfortunate because writing really is a skill. It’s a skill that really takes work to be developed and your suggestions are great ways to keep improving your writing.
I love that you included reading. To me, reading is so enjoyable and so important to improving your writing. It’s sad that so many people hate reading these days! Thanks for the suggestions of What Should I Read Next and DailyLit, I definitely have to check those out!
2 David Mullen // Jun 21, 2008 at 10:27 pm
Great post. We often overlook the fundamentals as time goes by and it’s good to be reminded.
I spend a lot of time working with PR students. Between those experiences and reviewing writing samples for interns and entry-level job candidates, I’ve seen writing skills degrade over the past several years. One thing I tell any class I speak with is that they can’t underestimate the importance of strong writing. We see too many who are poor writers and it’s a way to truly set yourself apart.
Of course, that goes for the rest of us, too.
I know I tweeted it the other day, but I’m loving your new corner of the online world. And big THANKS for adding me to the blogroll. I’m humbled and honored…
3 Catalysta // Jun 21, 2008 at 11:08 pm
I LOVE this post. It’s so important for people to always try to keep learning. Writing can be so personal and succinct and when done well it has the ability to really make a difference. Now that I’ve started putting my writing out there again, I’m getting that rush of excitement but also nervous! I’m always second guessing myself and rearranging my paragraphs and trying to make sure I’m saying exactly what I want to say but not going overboard.
Nothing inspires me more than reading someone else’s beautifully written work. I totally agree about JK Rowling. She’s completely brilliant. I also can’t ever seem to go wrong with Shakespeare. A new love of mine is Jodi Piccoult. Another favorite is Gregory Maguire who wrote the original book of “Wicked.” (AMAZING!) I have my tried and true authors that always seem to re-inspire me when needed. Then I love reading NEW things so that I can constantly be learning something new.
It’s great writing again! I feel like I’ve reconnected with a part of me I lost a long time ago! I also feel more focused and I’m also loving the challenge of getting more readers as well as the exhilaration of putting something so personal out there.
Kudos for this post. Excellent topic!
4 Nate Fuller // Jun 22, 2008 at 2:15 pm
I’m a current PR student and to me, writing is an addiction. I’ve found myself proofreading everything I can get my hands on and then rewriting the copy in my head. Producing a great piece of writing unleashes a rush of pride and satisfaction.
Also, your snippet on twitter has opened my eyes to its use. I couldn’t find any reason for it until now, but I think I’m going to give it a try.
Great post!
5 Sameer Vasta // Jun 22, 2008 at 10:23 pm
Fantastic post Lara, and I’m extremely glad you put reading on that list. Too many times I’ve seen tips that say “write, write, and write” but forget to mention that the best way to get inspiration and learn about best practices is to read.
And not only read the best, of course. Read everything. Read blogs, articles, books, good and bad. There’s no end to what you can learn, even from the most dismal of pieces of text! =)
6 larak // Jun 22, 2008 at 10:58 pm
@Alisha, thanks for your comment and I hope you like those links.
@David, I appreciate your insights on this as well and I certainly enjoy your writing.
@Catalysta, did we just find yet another thing we have in common? I had no idea you were a reader. I just finished my first Jodi Picoult book, Change of Heart, and loved it – what else have you read by her? As for J.K. Rowling, she and her characters will always have a special place in my heart.
Nate, thanks for the visit and if you do join Twitter, please look for me @LaraK.
Sameer, you are too kind as always. And did you happen to notice you were one of my writing inspiration links in this post?
You guys rock. Thanks for being part of this blog.
7 Sameer Vasta // Jun 23, 2008 at 6:47 am
Hadn’t noticed before, but now I’m blushing! I’m truly flattered, thank you.
8 Leo Bottary // Jun 23, 2008 at 8:21 am
Lara, in addition to what you all have said, let me offer an excerpt from a post I wrote on this subject:
How many times have you picked up the newspaper and read beautifully crafted letters to the editor? In most cases, they’re not written by professional writers, but by everyday people who understand what they want to say and are passionate enough to put it in writing. They’re naturally persuasive. They tend to use the active voice and be unequivocally clear.
In most cases, a badly written piece isn’t bad because the writer didn’t understand the rules, it’s bad because the writer either didn’t know what he was talking about or didn’t really understand why he was writing the piece in the first place.
Write with understanding, conviction and purpose. Learn the rules and learn when and how to break them. But more importantly, be curious. Ask good questions. Listen. Formulate clear strategies for solving problems. Write to your heart’s content. Use sentence fragments! Then practice, practice, practice!
9 Jamie Grove - How Not To Write // Jun 23, 2008 at 10:42 am
I keep writing by sitting down each day and doing it. That pretty much sums up my method and there’s no surer way to write like writing.
Thanks for the link, Lara! All four tips in this post are great.
10 Debba // Jun 23, 2008 at 2:09 pm
Lara – first, thanks for following me on Twitter. Backatcha! And, I look forward to meeting you at PodCampOhio next week! I’m doing a session for women in new media. Any great lessons/thoughts from blogging/podcasts that you’d like to share?
Great blog on writing. I love the ‘how to’ exercises – fun ideas!
See you in Columbus on Saturday – Debba / http://www.girlfriendology.com
11 larak // Jun 23, 2008 at 8:59 pm
Leo, that is awesome advice – and marvelously well written, I might add! Thanks so much for sharing that here. By the way, we haven’t seen much of you on Twitter lately. I’m guessing you’ve either been traveling or very busy or both!
12 larak // Jun 24, 2008 at 5:45 pm
@Jamie, thanks for the visit and for your great and inspiring blog. Now if I can just get myself to write in this blog every day. My goal is three times per week but even that is hard at times!
@Debba, thanks for coming by – I absolutely love your Girlfriendology site. I look forward to meeting you as well and I’ll see if I can come up with anything witty or wise for your presentation. I’m still new at this blogging stuff and I haven’t tried my hand at podcasting yet.
13 Jamie Grove - How Not To Write // Jul 24, 2008 at 9:23 pm
@Lara I can empathize! By the way, you ought to get the subscribe to comments plugin installed. Just happened by this evening. Otherwise I would have missed your comment!
14 larak // Jul 25, 2008 at 10:36 am
Thanks, Jamie – I’m installing it this weekend. And I’ll Tweet you about this too, to be sure you know I saw it!
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