In honour of my 100th post on sylviesoul.com, I decided to comprise a list of 100 writing tips you can use to improve your writing skills and become a better writer.
1. Be consistent
There’s that C – word again. There’s no two ways about it; if you want to improve, you have to create consistent output.
2. Join a writing critique group
Get your writing in front of different people. This is helpful for discovering blind spots in your writing such as plot holes and structural mistakes. And you learn to accept constructive criticism.
3. BACK UP YOUR WORK
It’s every writer’s nightmare to lose all of their writing in a hardware crash. Back up your writing; save it on an external hard drive, on a cloud-based service like Dropbox, or print physical copies.
4. You’re going to be unmotivated; keep at it
It’s a myth that writers only write when they’re inspired. If you want to be a writer, you got to put in the work, whether on not you have the muse sitting on your shoulder.
5. Don’t compare yourself to others
6. Track submissions with a spreadsheet
I use Microsoft Excel to keep track of all my submissions to publications and competitions. This is helpful, because if one of my stories wins or is accepted, I have to do my due diligence to notify all the other publications and withdraw my submission.
7. Always be editing
Never release the first draft of anything. Always do at least one pass through to check for spelling and grammar mistakes, and rearrange your words so that they are more effective.
8. Keep notes (digitally or paper)
You should always write your ideas down. This can either be in the form of a small notebook and pen you carry around, or the notes app on your mobile device. Don’t let good ideas get away!
9. Do some chores
Believe it or not, some of my best ideas for Sailor Helga came while I was focusing on something else. For whatever reason, the act of vacuuming opened my mind up and allowed me to work out complex plot points. Next time, try thinking about your story when you wash the dishes or tidy the bathroom.
10. Read a lot of books
You can’t be a good writer if you’re not an avid reader. Read books on the craft of writing. Read good books that invigorate you. Read lousy books that inspire you into action to get material on the bookshelves.
11. You’re going to create a lot of duds
I’ve seen it firsthand with my own writing; a lot of my posts don’t garner a lot of traffic. But occasionally I strike a chord with my readers and write something that truly resonates, as is the case with post on the movie SOUL on Medium. If a post doesn’t land, keep writing; your next post may become a viral hit.
12. Trust your gut/instincts
This is also true outside the realm of writing. If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Be vigilant when accepting writing gigs on the Internet; not all of them are legitimate.
13. Save your writing as pdfs
If your work is published online, be sure to make pdf copies as soon as possible. You never know when a site you published on will go under or if the site undergoes a makeover and your posts will be rendered unreadable. You want to be able to use them as references in the future, so make sure to take that snapshot as a pdf.
14. Slay your plot bunnies
Fanfiction writers know this pain all too well: you have an idea for a story, and it refuses to let you go – hopping around incessantly in your head until you write it. Write the damn thing. The sooner the idea is out of your head, the sooner you can do something useful with it.
15. Develop a thick skin
Not everyone’s going to love your writing. Remember not to take it personally; everyone is entitled to their opinion.
16. You can always create more
This is more about mindset. You are not a vessel full of finite ideas; you are a well of untapped potential and infinite possibilities. Don’t be afraid to write all your “good ideas”. More will come. They always will.
17. Don’t wait for it to be perfect
I get it; you want the words on the paper to sound as lyrical and effortless as they do in your head. Newsflash: they won’t. You have to be okay with the fact that some things will get lost in translation. Except it and enact the mantra: Good Enough, Push On.
18. Many days you’re going to want to give up
There will be days when the constant rejection wears you down. Resist the urge to give up. Soldier on.
19. Take a class
Just because you have writing talent, doesn’t mean you can’t afford to hone your skills. Take a writing class to improve your grammar, learn effective writing strategies, or to pick up a new skill you can use to make money (ie. copywriting or technical writing). However…
20. Avoid expensive writing courses
In contrast to the previous tip, avoid courses and programs hawked by influencers who brag about how much money they make online. Often, these “writers” are successful because they sell overpriced programs that claim to have all the answers. If someone is insisting you go into debt for a program, don’t take the bait. Buyer beware.
21. Study SEO
Social Engine Optimization (SEO) is one of the single greatest strategies to learn in gaining an audience on the Internet. If you want more eyes on your writing, you have to learn how to get on page 1 of Google, and SEO is the secret sauce to get you there.
22. Avoid content mills
Avoid writing burnout, stay away from content mills. Simple as that.
23. Economize your time
You only have 24 hours in the day. Will you spend the time watching Netflix or will you use it to get some writing done? The choice is yours.
24. Find your writing implement
Do you prefer the tactile sensation of pen to paper, or are you a Microsoft Word devotee? Maybe you are a ride-or-die Scrivener fan? Or even faithful to Google Docs? Choose your weapon. Pick a tool and get writing.
25. Promote your work
Share your writing with your network; I take advantage of social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest to promote my work.
26. Accept constructive criticism
People are entitled to their opinion on your writing. While you don’t have to accept outward abuse, you should be open-minded to advice on how to make your writing better, especially if the same advice keeps coming up.
27. No one cares as much as you do
It hurts, but it’s true. You’re allowed to be proud of your writing accomplishments, but that doesn’t mean the people around you will care. By that same token, if you want to write something, you can’t wait for permission. You have to take it for yourself.
28. Sit in silence
Sometimes, sitting still in a quiet space provides the meditative environment needed to tap into ideas.
29. Be patient
If you’re into instant gratification, don’t become a writer. Writing takes discipline, it takes constant improvement, but most of all, it takes TIME.
30. You don’t have to make your passion your career
You don’t have to be a full-time author to love writing. In fact, it may be healthy to have a day job totally unrelated to writing, as some people lose their passion for writing when they have to rely on it to make a living.
31. Know your worth
Some freelance clients may expect bargain bin prices for content. You don’t have to accept that; if a client isn’t willing to pay what you’re worth, they are not worth the hassle.
32. Set boundaries
Be assertive in setting time aside for yourself to write. If you don’t make it a priority, no one else will.
33. Be strategic when submitting to publications and contests
Write sci-fi? Don’t submit to a literary journal. Write romance? Don’t submit to a crime publication. Be smart and do your research before submitting so you can increase your odds of getting accepted. If possible, try to read the previously published works of a publication to get a taste of what editors are looking for.
34. Enter (the RIGHT) Writing Contests
Writing contests can be fun! They can also be expensive, frustrating, and demoralizing. It’s important to know the right competitions to enter. Don’t be like me and pay $5 to a competition that never announced a winner. Do your research.
35. Don’t be a sore loser
If you enter writing contests, you’re going to lose. A lot. Don’t be petty, and DON’T ream the contest or the winners publicly online, it’s a bad look.
36. Write even when you don’t feel like it
If you want to be a writer, you have to keep creating. It’s as simple as that.
37. Remember why you started writing in the first place
Revisit those feelings often to keep you motivated.
38. Don’t ever submit your first draft
Just…don’t. Read over your writing at least once, let it breathe, and maybe get a second set of eyes on it before submitting.
39. Write in comic sans
It’s a much-maligned font, but apparently writing in comic sans is effective because it opens you up creatively.
40. Have a life
It’s fine to want to devote your free time to your craft, but just remember that there is a life BEYOND the written word. Try not to neglect your friends and family. Having a life can also inform and inspire future writing ideas.
41. Write fanfiction
42. Submit to publications
Be they online or print, the options are endless.
43. Get a Submittable account
Most online publications accept submissions through Submittable, so it’s in your best interest to sign up.
44. Join Writing Opportunity Newsletters
Some are free, like Authors Publish. Others charge a small fee, like Sonia’s Opportunities of the Week. You have to determine which newsletters best suit your purposes.
45. Become familiar with rejection
You’re going to hear the word “no” a lot on your writing journey. Get acquainted with it, and become comfortable with it. Remember: Every “no” will bring you closer to that coveted “yes”.
46. Write on Medium
I’ve vacillated on my opinion on the writing platform, but I truly believe Medium is a great place for writers to get started and create a portfolio.
47. Start your own self-hosted blog
When you want to present a more professional writing image, a self-hosted blog is the way to go. I use WordPress, but you can also use Squarespace and purchase a domain.
48. Do morning pages
I did this for a few months in 2019 and found it extremely helpful creatively. Write three pages in the morning. The stream of conscious writing allows you to get all your thoughts out of your head and onto the paper. This is advice from The Artist’s Way.
49. Listen to music
I find listening to music helps me visualize scenes in my head, or get me into a flow state. A subscription to Spotify of Apple Music really helps in this scenario. You can also listen to music on Youtube.
50. Ignore imposter syndrome
Even when we succeed as writers, there will come times when you don’t feel worthy of praise. Be confident and trust that the universe is not playing a sick joke on you. You are talented. Have faith in your abilities.
51. Remix your fanfiction
If you have a really good story idea that utilized in fanfiction, you can always take that idea and use it for an original story. It worked for Fifty Shades of Grey and Anna Todd’s After!
52. Study The Hero’s Journey
53. Create a mind map
If you’re a more visual person, creating a mind map can be helpful in structuring story ideas.
54. Join/Attend a storytelling group
Telling a compelling story is an art form. Not only do you learn how to craft a narrative, you also develop the skill to hold the interest of your audience, which is also important with the written word.
55. Sit outside
A change in scenery is sometimes helpful for getting the creative juices flowing. Plus, nothing beats a nice hit of Vitamin D from sunshine.
56. Watch TV
Not too much, mind you (especially when you should be writing!), but sometimes watching your favourite TV series can inspire ideas. From there, you can either write fanfiction exploring those ideas, or create your own original stories.
57. Do writing prompts
58. Participate in NaNoWriMo
If you’re a new writer, National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) is the perfect exercise to learn how to develop a consistent writing habit. Fifty thousand words in 30 days is no small feat, and the challenges teaches you how to plan and develop time management skills.
59. Create a dream journal
Whenever I have an unusually detailed dream, I write it down in a little journal next to my bed. Like with story ideas, you can’t assume that you will remember them later on; capture them while they’re still fresh.
60. Use Trello
You may find the app Trello useful for keeping your writing projects organized. Its drag-and-drop feature for notes is intuitive and can be used on desktop as well as mobile. Best of all, it’s FREE!
61. Do writing sprints
Set aside a chunk of time – anywhere between 5 and 30 minutes – for uninterrupted writing. No internet, no distractions – just set a timer and go. You’d be surprised how much you can write in just a small span of time when you put your mind to it.
62. Collaborate with friends/family
It can be a fun hobby to write a story with a loved one. Right now, my stepdaughter and I are writing a middle grade story about two magical best friends who go to summer camp. It’s exciting to see the creative process unfold in children, and playing ideas of one another creates a special synergy of imagination that you can’t capture from writing solo.
63. You can’t grade writing
I think the following Youtube video sums it up perfectly, but writing is such a subjective practice. Aside from the technical aspects and grammar conventions, you can’t really grade “good” writing. So don’t get too hung up if your sentences aren’t grammatically correct. Sometimes you have to break the rules to make something truly special.
64. Draw/sculpt
Use a different part of your brain to unlock creative inspiration by creating through more tactile activities.
65. Relive your nostalgia
Think about your favourite activities as a child. What made them so enjoyable? Tap into those joyous feelings and recreate them on the page.
66. Rewrite a better ending
Don’t like how your favourite tv series or movie ended? Make up your own! Sort of an offshoot of fanfiction, it allows you to think creatively about how to craft a satisfying conclusion.
67. Read the news
Sometimes fact is stranger than fiction; reading bizarre headlines can awaken the imagination with little effort. Here’s an example: Woman charged after climbing, damaging crane in downtown Toronto.
68. Think up band names
Sometimes you just hear or think of an unusual assortment of words together and think “Yeah, that would make a killer band name”. Like with dreams, this is something you have to capture and record immediately or you’ll forget. When you go back to read your names, you’ll be surprised with the results. Here’s one of my favourites I’m willing to share: BLACK DOG STOGIE.
69. Study your favourite TV shows and movies
Think about why this property is your favourite? What is it that resonates with you? Is it the genre? The storyline? The concept? The characters? Tap into that for when you create your own original stories.
70. Find your creative season
I find autumn to be the most creative time of the year. School is back, everyone is returning to their routines, and there’s something about the contrast of red, yellow, and orange leaves against a clear blue sky that really gets my creative juices flowing. Tap into your alignment with your favourite season and use that energy to get writing.
71. Write every day
It doesn’t have to be 1000 words a day; it can be as little as 10 words a day, or a single sentence. It doesn’t even have to be for a creative endeavour; it can be functional, such as writing an email for work, or writing a shopping list. Just make sure you are writing SOMETHING. EVERY. SINGLE. DAY.
72. Wake up early
I’m an early bird; one of the benefits of getting up super early is the rest of the household is still asleep. I get my best writing done when the house is quiet, so those early morning moments are precious to me.
73. Use a pomodoro timer
I’ve installed a pomodoro timer on my phone. When I want to get deep work done, I set it for 15-30 minutes and I focus until my phone rings, then I take a 5-10 minute break. This is ideal for when you want to write, but find your mind wandering or you tend to procrastinate.
74. Stop writing before you’re ready
This may seem counterintuitive, but try to stop writing even if ideas are still floating in your head. It’s like when you stop eating before you are “full”. Your body needs time to digest what it’s received; give yourself time to absorb the ideas you’ve created. When you return to your writing project, it makes it easier to jump back in, as the ideas have had a chance to evolve and grow during that rest period.
75. Read scripts for TV pilots
76. Make up a backstory for commercial mascots
This is especially easy with 90s food mascots. When I was a kid, I used to make up this whole backstory in my head for the BK Kids Club. I imagined what it would be like if they had their own animated series; KidVid would be the upstart new kid who would rap his way into the hearts of the group, much to the chagrin of Jaws – stuff like that. See where your own imagination can take you.
77. Create an audio drama
Similar to creating through art or sculpting, sometimes creating an idea in audio form helps. It’s what I did for my entry to the My RODE Cast competition.
78. Write a script
Writing a screenplay is a different technique from writing a short story or novel. Sometimes an idea is better translated as a script; for example, a story I workshopped in a writing group was suggested to be a better fit as a short film rather than as a short story.
79. Review something bad
I have a guilty pleasure for good reviews of awful things (why do you think the Angry Video Game Nerd is so popular?). I think it takes a special level of knowledge and comedic ability to properly dress down a property. One of my favourite examples is Seanbaby’s EGM Crapstravaganza.
80. Make a podcast
Sometimes talking out ideas will inspire other ideas. I created The Vacant Lot Podcast to discuss my thoughts on the show Hey Arnold!, which in turn inspired a podcast about writing, which in turn inspired Sylvie Soul Writing, my website.
81. Remove distractions
A cluttered space is a cluttered mind. Create an environment clear of distraction in order to encourage deep focus.
82. People watch
Sit on a park bench and just watch people as they go about their lives. Where do you think they’re going? Work? School? A hot date? Let your imagination explore the possibilities.
83. Use the thesaurus sparingly
Don’t do purple prose. If a reader has to consult a dictionary every other line to understand what you’re saying, you’re being excessive with your synonyms. Dial it back and keep it simple.
84. Don’t write just for the money
85. Don’t sit on a good idea
I believe ideas are transient; they are like spirits that hop from one person to the next, “possessing” them with inspiration. As writers, we have to learn to be receptive to that possession and channel them out of us as soon as possible; otherwise, the spirit will leave and inspire someone else.
86. You don’t have to write linearly
There’s no rule stating that you have to write Point A, Point B, Point C. Write Point C first if you want to, then hop back to Point A, and then go to Point β if you feel so inclined.
87. Update a classic fairy tale
Consider writing about a more obscure fairy tale. Example: I’d love to see a modern retelling of The Twelve Dancing Princesses.
88. Let a draft breathe
If you’re writing a novel, the worst thing you can do is slap together a rough draft and send it off to submission. Once you’re done, take a break from your manuscript; the most common time is 2 weeks to a month. Then you’ll come back with fresh eyes and a better understanding of how to improve your writing.
89. Get lots of sleep
When I’m tired or exhausted, I can’t focus. Be sure to get at least 8 hours of sleep every night.
90. Join a Facebook writing group
It can be helpful to join a group of like-minded peers who all go through the same trials and tribulations, the same highs and lows. (But avoid groups that are too self-promotional).
91. Write on Vocal Media
Similar to Medium, Vocal Media is a great platform for writers who are just starting out. For novices, I recommend the free version over the Vocal+ subscription.
92. Offer to write for friends/family
If you’re just starting out as a freelancer, offer your services for free to people in your immediate circle. Eventually, you’ll create a portfolio that you can use to go over more lucrative, better-paying writing projects.
93. Travel
A different environment can awaken different ideas. You don’t have to travel out of your city; you can go to your local park and absorb new sights and sounds.
94. Visualize your success
I like to picture myself sitting behind a table at a book signing of my novel, talking candidly with a person who was emotionally moved by my writing. This is the image that fuels me to keep going on my writing journey.
95. Find your muse
For the first part of my writing journey, it was the show Hey Arnold! Perhaps for you, it will be a celebrity, or a person you admire. Take your inspiration and go wild.
96. Drink water, not wine
Learned this the hard way during NaNoWriMo. You are not Hemingway; drinking will not make you a better writer. Take a page from this embarrassing screenshot I took a few years ago when I made the fatal mistake of drinking and composing.
97. Join an improv class
In improv, you have to learn how to think fast on your feet and act with limited information. This can lead to some truly imaginative outcomes that help with the writing process.
98. Work backwards
Start from the ending of your story, and work backward to how you got there.
99. Write a parody song
Songwriting works a different type of creative muscle from prose. Here’s a song I wrote a few years back, set to the tune of “Losing my Religion”.
100. Believe that you are a writer
If you believe it, you can be it. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. If you write, you are a writer.