Writing Tips For Staying on Your Game
There are a few writing tips that we writers can pick up from athletes, like how to stay on top of our game.
Athletes work hard even when they’re off the field. They spend hours practicing with their teams. They run miles around the track when nobody else is around. They swim the laps, dunk the balls, and sweep their rackets. And they do all this so that when it’s time to play, they’ll steal the show and take home the trophy.
We all went to elementary school, where we learned our ABC’s and how to diagram a sentence. In high school, we read the classics and wrote the essays. Now we’ve been let loose on the field. We pen articles, publish blogs, peck away at novels, and compose poetry.
So, how do we stay in shape when we’re not dribbling all over the court?
Writing Tips for Fitness
Most writing tips address creativity and productivity – but this one is all about staying fit.
Fitness isn’t just for athletes. Every professional needs to keep those muscles toned and eyes on the ball. For us writers, that means we need to give our language center a good workout every now and then. We need to keep learning the rules of grammar, stretch our styles, and master the craft that is word play.
Now, there are countless opportunities for a writer to continue to build knowledge and skill. Writing tips and books full of writing ideas are available in plenitude. Podcasts like Grammar Girl and A Way with Words are free and ideal for anyone who commutes or needs a little something to listen to, and we can subscribe to blogs like Daily Writing Tips so we can get a little better at our craft each and every day.
Those of you who have been visiting Writing Forward for a while know that I am big proponent for working hard and trying to continuously grow as a writer. So add this to your collection of writing tips: take a little time to find a good, solid resource that you can use to stay on top of your game. Find a blog or a book, a podcast or a video series. Look for something that will help you build up your weaknesses or maximize on your strengths as a writer.
For example, if you struggle with spelling and punctuation, then you might find a resource on grammar that will help you achieve better writing. If you want to write but don’t know what to write about, then try some writing exercises or prompts. The sooner you start working those writer’s muscles, the sooner you’ll be in tip-top shape and on top of your game. Why not start now?
Keep on writing!
Do you have any writing tips to share? Leave a comment or send in a guest post!
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You are so right. Writing, at times, should be no different than sit-ups. Part of our must dos. I’ve been thinking about reading King’s, “On Writing” again. It’s the book that finally got me to start writing last year. I think I will for sure now. Thanks.
What you point out is so important — just because we are working every day as writers doesn’t mean we are beyond studying (and putting in practice time).
I am about to order “Alone with All That Could Happen” by David Jauss… after reading an excerpt, I’m excited to absorb the whole thing.
I also came across a great online resource for articles on writing:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/series/howtowrite
Well, one of the first awesome resources for writers that comes to my mind is Writing Forward, Melissa!
You’re so right, though. We can always squeeze in a little study time here or there. Thanks for reminding us!
*smiles*
Michele
@Writer Dad, On Writing has been on my wish list for over a year now. I really have to crack down and buy it. I know a lot of writers recommend it.
@Zoe, Yep, it’s easy to become complacent and forget to keep working to master our craft. I’m a big fan of podcasts for that. – I guess because I spend so much time reading and writing that it’s nice to kick back and just listen
@Michele, Aw, thanks. It’s true, Grammar Girl episodes are just a few minutes – surely we could squeeze in that much time every few days…
So true, Melissa, and excellent advice. I’m pretty sure I spend more time trying to learn than actually writing. LOL
Sharpening the sword…so vital to any area of expertise or passion.
This sounds really lame, compared to your readers who are real experts in the field, but to be honest I really use http://thesaurus.reference.com/ when my thoughts seem blocked and I need to get the fresh juice flowing… I go there and play with words.
On the poetic side, I find disecting some of my favorite songs very helpful. A majority of the most recent poems I wrote were inspired by songs, listening to the stories they tell or being inspired by the word play. Usually the word play is strong in hip hop songs, and I’m very picky with rap music. But listening to The Roots for hours will make me want to sit down and fill up a paper with lines of carefully place phrases that make you feel something while also rhyming at the same time (even though it’s not necessary in poetry, but rapping, it’s kinda required).
My other personal exercise is learning new words. I may never use them, but at least I know they’ll be there. freerice.com has been good for new words to learn.
Hi Melissa – thanks. I didn’t know about daily writing tips – I’ll check it out. I like to do some of the exercises on Writers Digest when I get time. Also, I use a lot of books, like the Creative Writing Course book. And Strunk and White sits on my desk for when I’m struggling with grammar.
I know this may sound silly but my writing has really suffered since I began using the Internet more. I never even used to need to use spell check, but over the last few months, I’ve been making lots of errors and I’ve really struggled with spelling. I’m wondering if this is because I’ve got used to seeing spelling mistakes on the Internet?
My weakness is consistency. (Whoah – am I consistently inconsistent?)
I like your ideas and even my fingers need continual fitness. As my typing improves, so does my willingness to write this little bit right here.
Cath: I despise spelling errors. I avoid shortened words and the little bits like wtf. I like proper grammar too; it make me smile when I see it in others’ writings
@Amy, Thanks! Sometimes I feel like I spend more time learning than writing too
@Harmony, I should have mentioned reference.com in this post because I use that site all the time for dictionary and thesaurus. I actually like the m-w.com dictionary better because it’s more elaborate but the thesaurus sure is convenient!
@t.sterling, Hip hop has influenced quite a bit of my poetry because there is such excellent word play and creative intonation. I would attribute music to my early interest in writing because I was mostly influenced by songs and in fact, most of my early poems were actually meant to be song lyrics.
@Cath, Wow, thanks for sharing several excellent resources. I’m going to check out those writing exercises at Writer’s Digest. I’m a big fan of writing exercises! I worry too about how the Internet may be affecting my writing. One dilemma in particular is “email” or “e-mail” and “Internet” or “internet.” And then there’s all the poor grammar that is prevalent on the web. I try to balance out my time online with print publications because most of those undergo far stricter and more conventional editing. Oh, and I also make it a point to turn to my trusty copy of The Chicago Manual of Style whenever I’m in doubt.
@Steven, Welcome! It’s true, practice makes perfect and it also helps build confidence. I used to be really nervous about publishing my own work online (I wish I had an editor!) but sometimes you’ve just got to take that leap and have faith, also knowing that we all make mistakes from time to time. I don’t mind text jargon (wtf) as long as the context is appropriate (i.e. not in a business email).
I never enjoyed editing my own writing, but ’tis necessary. I don’t mind proof-reading other written works as long as I’m not the one who wrote it, but as far as grammar goes… I’m not an expert, I just read out loud to hear if it sounds correct. I took enough English classes in high school and college that I shouldn’t make too many grammatical mistakes, but sometimes I just don’t care. And then spelling I double check dictionary.com. I can tell when I’m tired when I’m looking up words like “bread” or “theory”, frowning at the screen in disbelief that the word is actually spelled the way it is. Or I’ll completely skip the most important [word] in the sentence.
Sometimes I prefer off-line as in a print tutorial. While its audience is high school senior and college freshman I still find English 3200 pretty useful (and I can carry it with me).
I used to subscribe to Daily Writing Tips but to be honest most days it bored me to tears. Maybe it’s a matter of style?
Deb
Melissa, I’m such a dork. I read this post the other day, nodded my head, clicked the links, followed people on Twitter but um forgot to thank you! Please forgive me! Great tips (as always)! I agree with you about staying on top of our game. A basketball player practices free throws and shooting even though it’s their job and they do it better than any non-athlete. Writers must stretch themselves to stay fresh but also practice the basics. I still love reading the dictionary, it’s interesting how sometimes a familiar word suddenly becomes fresh when you read the definition. I like Writers Digest for their writing prompts, and grammar quizzes. I always ace them but it forces my mind to think rather than operate from intuition.
@t.sterling, This is one of the things that makes the skills vs. talents of being a writer so fascinating. Many great writers are not experts in grammar, but they have a strong voice and tell a compelling story. Conversely, there are plenty who have mastered grammar but their writing just falls flat. I personally think voice and story hold more sway over grammar. Unfortunately, poor grammar can turn off some readers. The good news is that grammar skills can be learned
@Deb (gscottage) I think if you already have a firm grasp on grammar, then Daily Writing Tips is a little boring because it would provide information that you already know. But it’s extremely helpful for those who are still developing mechanical skills.
@Karen, I’m a way bigger dork than you girl! Heheh. I must confess that I don’t subscribe to Writer’s Digest but it sounds like something I should look into because I really enjoy exercises and quizzes that help me stay toned. Crossword puzzles are great too, especially for puns.
Hi, Melissa -
I absolutely love Grammar Girl! She’s one of the first people I turn to when I’m in a grammar rut. Thanks for turning me on to A Way with Words; it seems like a great resource.
Other resources I use to strengthen my writing include Jeopardy! and crossword puzzles. They’re like calisthenics for my brain!
@Rebecca, Grammar Girl is awesome. I love that each episode is short and I often save episodes that I think I may want to revisit in the future. Usually, I let a whole bunch of new episodes build up in iTunes, and then I have a little listening marathon. A Way with Words is not only informative, it’s also really entertaining. You can tell the hosts are having a good time (there are lots of laughs). Plus, if you have a question about language, you can call in or send them an email!
You know, sometimes I wonder where all this WRITING is actually taking place?
Because I read so many blogs giving advice about writing, blogs listing good writing resources, blogs telling me how to motivate myself to write, blogs telling me how to earn a living writing, blogs linking me to other blogs where they write about writing… etc. etc..
But WHO is actually putting out the novels, short stories and poems?
Granted there are lots of great sites where people DO produce original material…but these seem to be the exception, and not the rule.
Or maybe I’m just not looking in the right places. (???).
@Friar, You raise a good point and I think it’s true not just among the writing blogs but among all blogs. Since anyone can pop up a blog and start doling out advice, there are tons of them that aren’t backed by any real experience or expertise. The niche that suffers from this the most is probably blogging itself. There are an awful lot of “how to blog” sites run by people who started blogging – er – yesterday. Heheh.
Well, it’s the Internet and we all must proceed with caution around here. Blogs, like any other websites, may not have accurate information. Some actively misinform readers. I always try to figure out who’s running the show, what their credentials are, and then I look at the content to see if it appeals to me. Yeah, it’s a pain but it’s worth it because there are some real gems out there.
@Melissa
Yes…I SO agree with you!
Once thing I find with blogging, is that anyone who can put down 500 words thinks they’re a fantastic writer, and the only reason they haven’t been published yet is that the “fat cat” publishing houses are too commercial and haven’t noticed them yet.
Well, maybe there’s a REASON best-selling authors are published so much…because they WRITE WELL…far better than the average person!
And maybe…just MAYBE, not EVERY blogger is a literary genius.
It’s the equivalent of all the people who take piano lessons. Millions of people can play the piano adequately, but only a handful are concert pianists.
I think blogging’s a lot like that.
@Friar, Yes, it’s true. I’ve actually written about this for one of my clients, which is a non-profit organization. They were trying to educate people about using the Internet safely, although the focus was more on practicing caution regarding misinformation and not so much poor writing. But both are a problem on the web. While the poor writing pains me, the misinformation out there can actually be dangerous. Still, I like the free and open plains of the web.
Marc takes a good look around, “Writing resources huh? Something that will help me build up my weaknesses or maximize my strengths as a writer?”
He points at the Writing Forward sign and settles back in his chair.
“I think I found it.” he says with a warm smile.
.-= Marc´s last blog ..Almost Wordless Wednesday: Shaky the Cat =-.
Melissa smiles at Marc, then points to a sign on the wall: Recommended Writing Resources. She says, “There’s a whole page of awesome books and other goodies to build up your strengths as a writer. I should know — I’ve tried them all out personally.”
Then she hops in her blogmobile and heads over to The Welsh Scribe.
It’s ‘proponent of’ – not ‘proponent for’.
Can you cite a source? I have seen credible publications use the expression “proponent for” although “proponent of” is far more common.