Four Habits to Improve Your Writing

by Lilka Raphael @Lilka_Raphael 

“The only way to learn to write is to force yourself to produce a certain number of words on a regular basis.” ― William Knowlton Zinsser

The desire to become a famous author, bestselling novelist, or see your screenplay displayed on a marquee are worthy goals. However, aspiration only gets us so far. Most writers occasionally question their worth. Do I have what it takes? Will anyone take me seriously? Our solitary endeavor and anguish over words is not for the faint of heart. However, the following habits can invigorate our writing and propel us toward success.

1. Be persistent

Like other professions, we hone our skills through diligence. The more we do anything, the better we become. Writing is no exception. Most often, the hardest part is to start. Beginning the first page or next chapter can be daunting. Writer’s block stalks the best of us. Yet discipline pushes through it. Develop a writing ritual. If you have one, improve it. Consistency produces proficiency. Few people excel at anything half-heartedly. The best writer does not always win the race. Talented authors quit. Writers who persist reap rewards for their efforts.

2. Write with Purpose

Determining why we write influences what we write. Our passions, opinions, and knowledge connect with our audience. Great storytellers pull us out of reality and allow our minds to wander to unfamiliar places. Our words can stimulate minds and change hearts. Our talents exist to benefit others. Having clear objectives to teach, encourage, or entertain gives each word purpose and we digress less. 

3. Read More

Reading great writing makes us great writers. Our minds dissect techniques, transitions, and ideas. Consider it research if you feel guilty reading instead of writing. Reading bestsellers allows you to identify the topics and genres engaging readers and editors. Most importantly, reading is relaxing. A stressed mind rarely writes well. Twenty minutes of reading calms the brain, allows it to focus, and makes our writing productive. 

4. Be Teachable

Many bestselling authors attend conferences and workshops not as faculty but as attendees. Devoted writers sharpen their skills. Their goal is to improve upon their last success. Humility to acknowledge suggestions and critique turns mediocre writing into impressive writing. We may not agree with every bit of advice, but we should not ignore all of it either. Seek guidance and instruction. Invest in conferences, classes, and mentorship. There are endless books on how to write just about anything. Most publishing professionals eagerly share their mistakes, so we will not experience the same challenges. Utilizing knowledge circumvents pitfalls, clarifies our goals, and reduces necessary edits.

The writer’s pursuit is the next sentence. No matter what we write, we should endeavor to write it well. 

And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end, that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises. Hebrews 6:11-12 NKJV

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A Florida native, Lilka Finley Raphael has been a licensed pharmacist for over thirty years. Her passions for writing, gardening, and photography prompted her to share her experiences and life lessons on her blogs B Is for Blessed and God, autism, & me. You can learn more about her at lilkaraphael.com

Lilka’s greatest achievements are her two adult sons who have flown the nest. Happily married for thirty-two years, she lives east of Atlanta with her husband, Rod. They now share their home with two German Shepherds—Holly and Ivy—and one naughty kitty, Moxie.