Have you ever wondered how great writers came to be? Do you ever wonder if you could be doing something better as a writer? As a writer, you know that honing your craft is a never-ending journey. Whether you’re a seasoned wordsmith or just starting on your writing adventure, there are always opportunities to improve and refine your skills.
There are certain specific writing habits that renowned writers have. In this article, I will reveal them. My goal is to help you become a better writer by showing you what habits to incorporate in your routine. We will also show you how to be more organized and efficient as a writer. Keep reading to learn all you need to!
1) Daily Journaling:
A simple yet powerful habit that can transform your writing is daily journaling. Set aside a few minutes each day to jot down your thoughts, feelings, and observations.
Every day, runners engage in their activity, understanding that not every run serves as a competitive race. Similarly, musicians play music regularly, but not every instance of picking up their instrument is a formal concert. On the other hand, writers tend to linger, waiting for inspiration to strike before they write. However, the advice is not to wait but to start writing.
This practice not only serves as a creative outlet but also helps you become more attuned to the nuances of language.
2) Freewriting Sessions:
By making the effort to find the necessary time and environment for your writing, you will create something concrete and valuable. It’s essential to put your thoughts on paper. No matter what you produce, regardless of its quality, it will hold more significance than even the most exceptional unwritten books by Shakespeare.
Choose a topic or a prompt and write without constraints, rules, or judgment. Let your thoughts flow freely onto the page. Freewriting helps unlock your subconscious mind, allowing unexpected ideas and unique perspectives to emerge.
3) Reading Diversely:
Prioritize reading over writing. When you aspire to become a writer, you enter a community of fellow writers. John Berger once likened a doctor who fails to incorporate their few insights into the broader medical knowledge to a quack. Similarly, as a writer, your own insights must be connected to the existing body of literature.
Reading is the fuel that feeds a writer’s imagination. Make a conscious effort to read a wide variety of genres, authors, and writing styles. Expose yourself to different voices and storytelling techniques. Avoid being consumed by the obsession with being entirely original, which may lead to producing subpar work. Instead, discipline yourself to study the works of great writers.
Immerse yourself in the writings of renowned authors, learn from their expertise, and gain a deep understanding of their originality. Only then can your own originality hold true value and meaning.
4) Writing Prompts and Challenges:
Sometimes, a little nudge is all you need to get your creativity flowing. Participate in writing prompts or challenges to break free from routine and explore new themes or genres. Websites, social media groups, and writing communities often offer daily or weekly prompts that can spark fresh ideas and keep your writing skills sharp. Check out my Mystery/Thriller writing prompts here to get you started.
5) Seek feedback:
Feedback is crucial for growth as a writer. Share your work with trusted friends, writing groups, or even online communities. Constructive criticism can help you identify areas for improvement and refine your writing further. Be sure to have thick skin and to not take the criticism personally. Great places to find critique partners are sites like Critique Circle, Inked Voices, or Critique Match.
6) Edit ruthlessly:
Editing is an essential part of the writing process. After finishing a draft, go through it multiple times to eliminate unnecessary words, improve sentence structure, and ensure clarity. A well-edited piece showcases your attention to detail and professionalism.
Apps like ProWriting Aid and Grammarly are great tools to have when you are drafting. Additionally, the book Elements of Style is a great resource for self-editing. Grab the book by clicking here.
7) Get your Ideas Organized:
To keep your writing organized and boost productivity, consider using Scrivener. Out of all the tools I use, Scrivener has been most instrumental in getting my writing organized. This powerful writing software provides a seamless platform for planning, drafting, and revising your work.
Its intuitive interface allows you to organize your ideas into sections, move scenes around effortlessly, and keep all your research and reference materials in one place. Scrivener helps you stay focused on your writing process, making it an invaluable tool for writers of all levels. Click here to try Scrivener.
Improving your writing is an ongoing journey, and these writing habits and exercises can help you stay on track. Whether you’re journaling, freewriting, reading diversely, using Scrivener, or embracing writing prompts, each practice contributes to your growth as a writer. So, seize the opportunity to nurture your creativity and productivity. Please understand that these suggestions will only hold value if you possess the inner passion to pursue writing wherever it may take you. And remember, having a writing companion like Scrivener can significantly enhance your writing process. Happy writing!
Get Scrivener here now!
For more helpful writing tools, check out my article on the “Top Ten Best Tools To Help Writers”.
Comment below if you want to add to this list or have thoughts on this existing list.
Writing prompts help me so much! Sometimes I get stuck on starting.
We all get stuck sometimes. Writing prompts are definitely a good jumping off point.
As a fellow writer, I totally appreciate this post. Bravo to you!
Thank you so much! ??
Thanks so much