We all want to get better at our craft, yes? As creatives, we will always need to practice our craft and continue to strive to become better at it, no matter how far along our journeys we are. Great artists continue to learn and grow. (I even wrote a blog post about what happens if we stop learning as a human being here.)

For me, my creative craft is Writing. I always want to become a better writer so I can share great stories with my readers that bring them entertainment and joy, and maybe even make their jaws drop in awe. 

But how do we get better at writing?

Just write.

Practice makes perfect! Okay, perfection isn’t really the goal, but the idea that practice will help make you better is legitimate. If you want to get better at writing, just write! You don’t necessarily have to share it with anybody, but you do need to sit down and do it!

Read.

I was originally going to say ‘read good writing,’ but then I thought, it might be worth it to read bad writing, too. Not that it’s enjoyable to read bad stuff, but it is an opportunity for a learning moment. Reading will expose yourself to all kinds of writing (including, hopefully, some really good stuff) from which you can learn and steal techniques. 

Watch TV and movies.

I love watching TV and movies to help me learn about what makes good dialogue, what makes a compelling plot, and various other aspects of storytelling that transcend the medium. That’s why I love to say that bingeing a Netflix show is just research for my writing.

Related posts:

• A Sneak Peek Into My Writing Routine
• Why I’m Glad I Got a Writing Coach

Take a class.

I feel like taking a writing class is one of those ‘it was right under my nose the whole time’ options for learning how to become a better writer. Take a class from someone who’s already published! There are tons of levels of education; you could take a masterclass online, sign up for a weekend course, or even sign up for a university-level class!

Join a writers’ group.

I’ve never actually been in a writers’ group, but I imagine — depending what kind of group it is — that you could get some great Feedback on your writing, as well as pick up a few lessons from your fellow group members. Plus, you have a writing community!

Exchange feedback with a fellow author.

To take the writers’ group idea down a level, find one or two author buddies and exchange feedback with them. Since you’re all writers, you can count on some great feedback, but since you’re all unique human beings, you’ll have different strengths and weaknesses. 

Ready to set yourself up for creative success? Check out this worksheet!

Have you tried any of these techniques for becoming a better writer? If you’re not a writer, what ways have you used to become better at your craft?

Enjoy the journey,

Heather

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