How To Become A Better Writer | PCG Digital

Everybody writes. It is not just a qualification required in nearly every job posting or part of a curriculum determining your final grade. Whether you send emails, text your friends, spam the comment section on your favorite social media account, or do it as a profession (like yours truly), everybody writes every day.

Nearly every medium involves writing, yet there is a notion that you either have or do not have the writer’s gene. The perceived complexity of writing is purely a matter of self-doubt, but with the right mindset and willingness for self-improvement, anyone can become a better writer.

Writing will always be essential, and there is no wrong in trying to develop a fundamental skill. Communicating clearly and effectively through our writing is necessary, especially in content marketing. To help you become a better writer, I provide you with tips to improve your writing skills.

Tips For Becoming a Better Writer

Becoming a better writer is the same way I look at basketball. While it would be nice to develop a jump shot like Stephen Curry overnight, it will not happen (just saying, I would be in the NBA.) The same thing goes for becoming a better writer. It all takes time, but with some helpful tips, you may see improvement.

Read, Read, Read

Reading is food for your brain. Not only does reading expose you to the different writing styles of so many talented writers, but it also:

  • Polishes your grammar
  • Develops critical thinking skills
  • Expands your vocabulary
  • Inspires new ideas

Inspiring and current writers looking to improve their writing skills should also consider reading a wide variety of genres and published works from fiction, non-fiction, periodicals, memoirs, scholarly journals, or newspapers with a staff of writers.

Practice Makes Perfect

“We’re sitting here talking about practice. Not a game, not a game, not a game. We’re talking about practice.” Allen Iverson may have made a valid point to question the thought of practice presence in 2002, but when it comes to being a better writer, practice does make perfect.

Not saying you should be typing up 600-page novels or writing the next viral short story, but writing about specific prompts can start up and sustain the writing momentum.

Writing every day exercises your writing prowess and allows you to progress. Writing forces you to clarify everything in your brain and rationalize your thoughts with extra benefits:

  • Having more awareness of your mistakes
  • Finding new creative ways to express your point
  • Discovering your voice and style

Wash, Rinse, Repeat: Developing a Routine

Developing a routine is needed when becoming a better writer. While it may seem better to write when you are inspired or when it “feels right,” you are actually holding yourself back from progression. How will you ever know when you are getting better when you pick and choose?

A simple writing routine you can follow to polish your skills may look like this:

  • Schedule your writing time: Choose a specific day and time and make it non-negotiable.
  • Track your progress: Take note of your words, pages per day, or writing for a certain amount of time.
  • Set a deadline: Determine the number of words or pages you need to write every day to make your deadline. Your per-day production should be realistic to keep you moving forward.

You will have off days, but you need to embrace them and show up. There is beauty in the struggle.

All Eyes On Me

Don’t be shy and share your work with the class! Editing with feedback is an integral part of the writing process. Your first draft is never the final draft. It is one thing to proofread and read your work aloud, but having someone else read your writing takes your skills to the next level.

You may feel more comfortable with having only your eyes read your work, but peer editing is one of the best ways to know if your writing will resonate with your audience because it involves:

  • Seeing your writing from a reader or audience perspective
  • Sharing constructive criticism of what is working well and what improvements are needed
  • Catching any grammar errors or awkward phrasing

Never be discouraged by the edits that may come about your work. Nothing is perfect the first time around. The more people see your work, the more confidence you will gain.

Let’s Start Writing

I’m a writer, and so are you. So, let’s get to writing. If you have any questions about content writing, PCG Digital, or the automotive industry, please feel free to contact us online.

Learn even more about content, SEO, and much more by staying up-to-date with our PCG Digital blog.

Carlo Vargas
Carlo Vargas
Carlo has always had a passion for creating content. Being a content specialist at PCG Digital seemed to be a perfect fit. In his free time, he enjoys collecting vintage clothes, adding to his sneaker collection, curating playlists, and running to hit his weekly miles.
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