How to Develop Better Writing Habits
There’s only one way to become a better writer, and that is through lots of practice. Some people are born with talent. Writing comes easily to them, but even the most talented writers have to work at the craft. After all, nobody’s born knowing how to write. Fostering good writing habits accomplishes two things. First,…Read More
Homophones: Hear, Here
When I see professional signs or business documents with words spelled incorrectly, it’s like someone’s dragging nails down a chalkboard, which is not a sound I want to hear. But I try not to get too riled up. I know that spelling isn’t easy for everyone. However, I do believe that with a little effort,…Read More
How to Play and Pretend Your Way to Breakthrough Writing Ideas
My little niece used to love to sit with a grown-up book spread across her lap, reading a story out loud — except she couldn’t read yet. She was making it all up — pretending. During play, she invented new words. One time we were playing with some toys, and I asked one of their…Read More
Can the Right Writing Tools Help You Write Better?
When I first started writing, it was just me, a ninety-nine cent pen, and a cheap spiral-bound notebook. Using those tools, I wrote dozens of poems, stories, and journal entries. These days, I’m surrounded by far more sophisticated writing tools: fancy pens and journals, a computer with writing software, a library of writing resources, and…Read More
Grammar Rules: Further vs. Farther
Believe it or not, the words further and farther have different meanings, although people tend to use them interchangeably. And it’s no surprise, because these two words look and sound similar, and the difference in meaning is subtle. Plus there are a few circumstances when they are legitimately interchangeable. Let’s solve the further vs. farther…Read More
How to Harvest Creative Writing Ideas from the News
Creative people are always looking for inspiration, and writers are no exception. We look to the people in our lives, to nature, and to the books, music, and films that we love. We call on our muses, we doodle, and we daydream. We record our dreams, meditate, and contemplate. And we do all these things…Read More
Whose Writing Advice Should You Follow?
Some writing experts say, “Write what you know.” Others say, “Make it up as you go.” Some say, “Write by the seat of your pants.” Other say, “No! Start with an outline.” With so much contradictory writing advice floating around out there, what’s a writer to do? Know Your Goals First and foremost, the writing…Read More
Is Writing Always Fun?
People have different reasons for writing. For some, it’s a hobby. For others, it’s a livelihood. For most, it’s a hobby they dream of turning into a livelihood. It’s a worthwhile dream, and a lofty one too. But what does it take to get there? How much fun will you have, and just how much…Read More
How to Improve Your Writing Skills
Today’s post features excerpts from 10 Core Practices for Better Writing. These excerpts are from “Chapter Five: Skills.” Enjoy! Writing Skills When we talk about writing skills, we usually think of the basics: the ability to write sentences and paragraphs correctly with proper grammar, spelling, and punctuation. But a lot more than that goes into…Read More
How to Find Writing Inspiration When Your Muse is on Vacation
Have you ever sat down to start a new writing project only to find yourself sitting there, hours later, staring idly at the blank page? Writing inspiration doesn’t always come easily. In an ideal world, we always look forward to the blank page, a fresh canvas we can color with ideas and texture with language….Read More
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