Yes, writing is hard work if you want to be a great writer.
There are a lot of writers out there, but not so many outstanding ones.
Writing is a tough gig, and finding your unique voice and style takes a long time.
You need to decide if you are writing to inform, advise, convince, or entertain. With each, you need a different writing style.
Find your style
Writers fall into many categories, so you have to understand who you are writing for and why.
You might be dreaming of becoming the next big thing in fiction writing.
But hard work is the most proven way to get you started.
Success as a writer is a strange thing.
Many have only managed to achieve it after they died.
But who can wait that long?
Writing is certainly not an easy way to achieve success and fame, so make sure you have your goals set in reality.
There are so many factors that make for excellent writing.
But you need to be patient and take the time to learn how to master your style.
If you need a kickstart, here are a few tips for you.
Your voice matters
If you are trying to copy successful writers, forget it.
Sure, you can learn from them and the way they write. But what makes a new writer a great writer is one who finds their unique voice and style.
Readers love new voices and original ideas. Never be afraid of being different and inventive.
Do you think readers admire a writer who copies someone else’s writing style? Probably not.
When you write a book, an article, or a college essay, always write in your voice and style.
You need to decide on your selection of language register, your point of view, and your choice of reading level.
Then there are your vocabulary choices and your grammatical structures.
Voice and good writing are what make a great writer, but it is hard work to get that formula right.
Good grammar
Sure, you’re probably sick and tired of hearing about the importance of proper grammar in writing advice articles, but it is vitally important.
You’ll struggle as a new writer if you let basic grammatical errors slip through.
You don’t have a lot of excuses left anymore for poor grammar in your writing. So many free and premium tools are available for you to find and correct most errors.
With a good grammar checker, you can locate and fix so many spelling, grammar, and punctuation problems.
There isn’t a writer around who has perfect grammar control. But the good ones work at it and always check. If you do the same, you will be writing much better before you know it.
Attention to detail
Focussing on details is what sets good writers apart from the rest.
If you state a fact, support it with your reasoning, even better, with a reliable source.
When you express an alternative point of view, explain why you have it.
Are there any pros and cons you could include to balance your argument?
Good writers know how to balance their viewpoints with rational arguments and perspectives.
If you’re a fiction writer, don’t use broad brush strokes and paint over details.
Let your readers in on the nitty-gritty of your characters and what they think and believe.
There are no shortcuts to becoming a good writer.
It takes hard work, dedication, and a lot of time to perfect the craft of creative writing.
Like any skill, it is the little things that matter most.
Read a lot
What makes a great writer? They love reading.
If you are a writer who doesn’t read a lot, you will probably stay a writer that doesn’t go very far.
The best writers would probably tell you that reading is as essential as writing, and it’s good advice.
By reading a lot, you can note some of the strategies used by other writers. It’s also a great way to improve and enhance your writing structures.
Writers usually have daily writing objectives, but you should also have reading goals.
A few pages a day can make all the difference.
If you’re an author, read novels in the same genre as your writing. Or even consider those that are the complete opposite.
For a content writer or blogger, go online and read long-form articles by the best in the business.
Whatever you do, increase your reading as much as you can. Learn to love learning from reading as much as you love writing.
Practice
Yes, it’s true. Practice makes perfect.
Writing is an art, and you can only perfect your craft by doing it over and over again until you get it right. Or as close to it as possible.
Do you have a word count that you want to write every day?
If you don’t, maybe it is time to start. Don’t write when you feel like it, and definitely don’t wait for a moment of inspiration to flood your brain.
Good writers write even when they don’t feel like writing, especially when they have no ideas.
It takes only a few minutes of free writing to push you through those uninspiring times to allow your ideas to start flowing again.
Good writers don’t wait for motivation but instead create inspiration by writing through the moments when writer’s block strikes.
Conclusion
You can become a great writer if you’re passionate enough and determined to make a difference.
Yes, it’s an industry and not just a dream.
We read success stories like J.K. Rowling and would love to achieve the same level of success.
What many writers fail to realize is how long it took her to write that first book.
Then the number of rejections she received and the financial struggles she went through after writing her first book.
She had to sacrifice a lot for her dream. Her depression was real, but she persevered and succeeded.
How many of us complain about every stumbling block in our path?
Look at all the leading writers and read their stories.
You will be surprised at what they had to learn and overcome through their journeys to fame.
Sure, you’ll probably never reach the heights of J K Rowling or Stephen King, but you can succeed.
Never give up on your goals, and don’t let anyone tell you that your writing skills aren’t good enough.
You can be good enough if you are willing to learn, put in the hard work, and have patience.
Good luck with your adventure to becoming a great writer. But remember that only your words matter.
Related reading: How To Write A Book And Become An Author In 9 Steps
