writing with tips

If the words roll off your tongue, they’ll also flow smoothly in readers’ heads. Learn from my mistake—read your manuscript out loud and make your changes before you start the publishing process.

If it’s something you would say out loud, then it reads clearly on the page. If it’s something you would never say to another person, it won’t read as clearly.

Writing Tip #12: Avoid the “Mom edit.”

Be very careful with asking friends and family to give you feedback. I’ve seen a lot of manuscripts ruined by friends and family trying to be nice.

The “mom edit” is almost always the worst. Here’s a piece of advice—don’t do it.

What happens is they feel like they are supposed to give feedback, so they just mention things that occur to them. While they are well-intentioned, most of their advice is not only wrong, but it’s also counterproductive and toxic—a dynamic that can send authors into spirals.

The bottom line? Unless your friends and family are writers, or are in the audience of your book, or you are okay with ignoring them, don’t let them give you feedback .

Writing Tip #13: Beat writer’s block by asking what you’re afraid of.

Staring at a blank page? I have a simple trick I use to beat writer’s block . When I am stuck, I ask myself the question:

What am I afraid of?

Hint: it’s pretty much always some fear you don’t want to face ( this is a list of common author fears ).

Here’s the thing though—this won’t work if you aren’t honest with yourself. And of course, you have to be self-aware enough to know when you’re not being honest.

This works for me (most of the time), because I’ve spent many years in different forms of therapy, and I have gotten pretty decent at seeing my own bullshit (again, most of the time, not always).

If you’re not like that—and most people are not—this strategy won’t work. You’ll just spin up elaborate rationalizations to convince yourself that there is a REAL reason and it’s not some fear you aren’t facing.

But if you do this, if you can actually understand the fear that is driving your block, then you can solve it. I walk you through exactly how to beat your book writing fears in this piece .

Writing Tip #14: Spend time on your book title.

Your book title is the most important marketing decision you’ll make. Period.

Just like companies that spend millions on naming new products, and media companies that spend time testing different titles for posts, you should spend substantial time and energy finding the right book title.

This is a very important decision, and one you need to think about and get right to ensure your book has the best possible chance of success.

The title is the first thing the reader sees or hears about your book—even before the cover in most cases—and getting it right is the single most important book marketing decision you’ll make (even though most people don’t think about it as marketing). The title forms the basis of the reader’s judgment about your book.

Let’s be clear: A good title won’t make your book do well. But a bad title will almost certainly prevent it from doing well.

Writing Tip #15: No one cares about your book, they only care what your book gets them.

“This is the value for me of writing books that children read. Children aren’t interested in your appalling self-consciousness. They want to know what happens next. They force you to tell a story.” —Philip Pullman

So many people want to write because they, unconsciously, see it as a way to express emotions or do therapy that they otherwise don’t or won’t do.

If you are writing for that reason, that’s cool—but understand that book is called a diary. You don’t need to publish that.

If you are writing something you want to publish, then you are writing for the reader. Even if the book is about you.

I am the perfect example—I wrote 3 #1 New York Times bestselling books about my life…and every single one is focused on entertaining the reader, not me. I know, it sounds very counterintuitive, but it’s the truth:

No one cares about your book—they only care what your book gets them.

Writing Tip #16: Cut everything unnecessary.

“Never use a long word where a short one will do.” —George Orwell

The question, “ What can I cut? ” is the most important one to ask in writing.

The more you cut without losing meaning, the better.

A short good argument will always beat a longer good argument. Always.

There is NEVER a reason to write a single word more than necessary.

Note: Do not mistake clarity with brevity. Both are important, but they are different, and that’s why they are different tips.

“The most valuable of all talents is that of never using two words when one will do.” —Thomas Jefferson

Writing Tip #17: Grammar rules are made-up bullshit.

“Remember, Grammar Nazis: It’s YOU’RE going to die alone.” —Damien Fahey

This is one of those facts that most writers never stop to think about. There is no such thing as a hard and fast grammar “rule.” There are multiple different books that claim to be the one truth, but none of them are.

You can do anything you want—as long as it works for the reader.

Writing Tip #18: When necessary, learn the proper rules.

I know I said that all grammar rules are bullshit. They are. But the fact is, there are times and places that breaking the rules will make you look bad in a way that doesn’t help you.

Make sure you know all the big rules so that you can know when it makes sense to break them or to abide by them. Know all of these things (or just reference the links when you need them):

What are the parts of a book? What are the rules for a book proposal? How do you write the Foreword? How do you write an Acknowledgments? What is positioning and why does it matter? How to write your Author Bio How to write a book description that sells How long should your book be? How to do a great book cover What are all the different types of editing?

There are endless other rules. You don’t need to know this upfront, just know that there are rules, and you can break them, you just need to know them ahead of time to know which ones to break and when.

Writing Tip #19: Good editing hurts your ego.

“When your story is ready for rewrite, cut it to the bone. Get rid of every ounce of excess fat. This is going to hurt; revising a story down to the bare essentials is always a little like murdering children, but it must be done.” —Stephen King

This is the most painful truth of writing: good editing crushes your ego. You will fall in love with something that doesn’t work, and the only solution is to cut it. What you do then determines the quality of your writing.

Until you have cut something that you loved but no one else does, you are not writing.

“In anything at all, perfection is finally attained not when there is no longer anything to add, but when there is no longer anything to take away, when a body has been stripped down to its nakedness.” —Antoine de Saint Exupery

Writing Tip #20: Great writing is great storytelling.

“If you can tell stories, create characters, devise incidents, and have sincerity and passion, it doesn’t matter a damn how you write.” —W. Somerset Maugham

This is a very important tip that so many writers fail to understand—no one cares about your fancy words or perfect sentences. That’s like a chef who is obsessed with spices but doesn’t spend time on the main dish.

Your reader cares about the story.

That doesn’t mean your writing can be bad. But writing is just a vehicle to tell a story, not an end in itself.

Don’t be the writer who forgets the point: teach your reader something valuable through story.

“The most powerful person in the world is the storyteller.” —Steve Jobs

Writing Tip #21: If you get stuck, describe to a friend and record yourself.

If you are stuck writing, then talk out loud to a friend. Tell them exactly what it is you want to say, and all of the sudden it will flow seamlessly out of your mouth.

This is so dead simple, and I’ve been doing this for more than a decade to get past almost any writing obstacle I have encountered.

Note: I use Rev or Temi. They are both apps on my phone, and work great.

Writing Tip #22: Writing cannot be taught; only learned.

“Writing cannot be taught, though it can be learned.” —Joseph Epstein

Take all the writing courses you can , and read all the articles you want. They are great and a part of learning to write.

But the point of this tip is that you’ll never be taught to write. It won’t come from the outside. It is inherently a creative activity , and thus you must actually write and learn yourself how to do it.

Getting guidance is great. But you must still learn it yourself.

Writing Tip #23: Nothing happens until you publish.

“Every accomplishment begins with the decision to try.” —Neil Patel

Another thing that is obvious to professional writers but seems to escape amateurs. Until you publish your writing, nothing happens. It’s just a diary.

And by publish, I mean put it anywhere on the internet or out to the world. Not just a book. Sharing is the most important step of writing.

Writing Tip #24: Write what you are trying to figure out.

“If you’re saying it, it’s about you.” —The Last Psychiatrist

I do like the “write what you know” cliche, but I don’t think it’s entirely accurate all the time. It’s also very valid to write what you are trying to figure out.

Because it will not only help you figure it out, but it also will help others who are behind you on the path.

The reality is that there is no finish line, so you might as well write and publish now. You can always do more later.

Writing Tip #25: Keep selling your reader after they’ve bought the book.

Just because the reader bought your book, your job is not over. You have to keep them engaged.

This is why most book introductions are so awful. Authors think the purpose of the introduction is to explain everything they will talk about in the book.

That is boring and wrong.

The purpose of a good introduction is to engage the reader and get them to read the book . Just because someone is reading an introduction does not mean they are going to finish the book. The thing that scares people off of books is not the price—it’s the commitment of time.

People don’t care about $10. They care about spending their time on something that is interesting and engaging to them.

That is the job of the introduction: prove to the reader this book is worth reading. A well done introduction grabs the reader and compels them to keep reading. It pulls them through and makes them excited to start the content, because the introduction has answered the most important question the reader has:

“Why should I read this book?”

Writing Tip #26: Never focus on tools; only on story.

Don’t spend one iota of time obsessing over your writing tools. That is all bullshit, a distraction to get yourself away from the hard job of writing.

Pick any software you like that is easy , and then go forward.

Writing Tip #27: Don’t try to be a “writer.” Just write.

For this lesson, I like to use a metaphor about restaurants:

Yes, the best restaurants in the world do have the experience and the atmosphere down. That stuff matters.

But more important than any of that—they do the fundamentals perfectly. They get simple, fresh ingredients and prepare them well. That’s it. If you do only that, you’ll provide massive value to a ton of people.

But the wannabe fancy chefs don’t do that. They look at the best restaurants and only see the accouterment. They copy the atmosphere, the experience, and focus on all the pretentious bullshit.

Then they fuck up the salad and overcook the steak.

Most writers are overcooking the steak because they are so concerned with identifying as an amazing writer that they overlook the fundamentals. Instead, they try to be clever. They are focusing on the words and forgetting about the story.

The sooner you go of the idea that you’re a “writer,” the faster you can perfect the fundamentals of writing, and then write things that people want to read.

Writing Tip #28: Hand write copies of your favorite writing to improve your writing.

This is a trick I learned from the best copywriters in the world:

Take some pages from the best writing of any writer you want to sound like. Copy that out, by hand. Literally copy it, word for word, in long hand.

I’ve done this with long-form prose writers, and it works wonders.

This gives you an entirely different way to get into the head of a writer you respect and want to emulate. You learn the feel of the words and how they think.

Then you can turn that into your own style.

Writing Tip #29: Write for the reader who won’t read as carefully as you write.

Remember, your reader is distracted and selfish. They are not going to read with the care you put into writing. Don’t fret about that, just account for it and write so that they can’t misunderstand or get lost.

This is the same reason that pop songs are designed to sound good on ear buds. Buy designing for the hardest environment, you ensure your writing works in all environments. And it usually makes it better.

Writing Tip #30: Great stories create emotion and meaning.

“Experiencing stories that tell the tale of protagonists for whom we can empathize gives us the courage to examine our own lives and change them. So if your story doesn’t change your lead character irrevocably from beginning to end, no one will really care about it. It may entertain them, but it will have little effect on them. It will be forgotten. We want characters in stories that take on the myriad challenges of changing their lives and somehow make it through, with invaluable experience. Stories give us the courage to act when we face confusing circumstances that require decisiveness.” —Shawn Coyne

When you read that, do you think Shawn is talking about fiction?

He’s not. He’s talking about all writing.

Fiction or non-fiction, you are still telling a story and for that story to work, it has to hit the emotional core of people. Help them find meaning, purpose, truth, or whatever it is they are searching for.

This applies to something as simple as an instruction manual.

All writing is about emotion and meaning.

“Life is chaotic and meaningless, and you have to find your meaning. You must find the answer, you can’t just live. That’s the point of story: helping you find your meaning in life.” —Robert McKee

Writing Tip #31: Expect 50% of your ideas to occur after you start.

This is annoyingly true. No matter how much you outline or think or plan, writing itself will generate more ideas.

For example, I outlined this piece to have 15 writing tips…31 later, I am two more from being done.

Writing Tip #32: Use a parking lot to capture ideas.

When I write, I end up accumulating notes for lots of other topics I want to write about later. Instead of those spinning in my head and distracting me, I have a note called a “Parking Lot,” and I put all my ideas for future pieces there.

It both ensures that I don’t lose them and gets them out of my head so I can focus on the piece I am working on.

Writing Tip #33: The only absolute rule in writing is “do what works.”

“You must understand that there is more than one path to the top of the mountain.” —Miyamoto Musashi

All of these tips have worked for me ( and for the thousands of writers my company has coached ), but it doesn’t mean that they’ll work for you. Some will, some will not.

Here’s the point: the only absolute rule is that there are no rules, and all you have to do is do what works.

If it works, it’s right.

If it doesn’t, it’s not.

This is because writing isn’t about the words and sentences. It’s not even about the story.

Writing is about the impact the writing has.

What works is what matters, that’s it.

Read This Next

How to Choose the Best Book Ghostwriting Package for Your Book

How to Choose the Best Ghostwriting Company for Your Nonfiction Book

How to Choose a Ghostwriter for a Finance Book

Writing Tips 40 Experts Wish They’d Known as Beginners

How I wish I had known as a teenager what I know now!

At 19 I worked full-time as a sportswriter for a daily newspaper.

I loved my job, but I was ambitious and wanted to see if I could sell a story to the Features editor. I worked hard on one, on my own time, and submitted it with photos.

The editor’s response crushed me.

In red pencil at the top of the first page, he’d scribbled:

“Great pictures. Bad story.”

Humiliated, I forced myself to approach his desk.

“Sir,” I said, “could you tell me what’s wrong with this so I can fix it?”

“Sure, Jenkins,” he said. “It’s sh–.”

I staggered back to my boss, the Sports Editor, and told her what had happened.

“Did you have any misgivings about the piece?” she said.

I mentioned several things I could have done better.

“There you go. Anything you thought you should have done is what you ought to do . ”

I rewrote the piece that night and resubmitted it the next day. The Features editor immediately accepted it.

My mistake? I had submitted a piece of writing that was less than my best, and I knew it. I vowed to never do that again.

The thought of being able to tell my younger self what I know now prompted me to ask 39 of the best authors, writing coaches , and publishing experts I know:

“If you could go back to the beginning of your writing career and give yourself one piece of advice, what would it be?”

And I added one of my own writing tips to make it 40.

Always be learning.

Take your time.

Develop your spiritual practices.

Dive in and be scared later.

Write for the love of writing itself, not what writing might afford you.

1. Lisa Cron , author of Wired for Story

I’d tell myself that what grabs readers isn’t beautiful writing, a rip-roaring plot, or surface drama; what grabs readers is what gives those things their meaning and power: the story itself.

And so first you have to create the story, which doesn’t start on page one, but long before it. Because the story is not about an external plot-level change. The story is about an internal change — a change that the protagonist enters the story already needing to make. Thus the protagonist walks onto the first page with a long standing driving desire — an agenda — that she hasn’t been able to achieve because an equally long standing misbelief (about human nature) stands in her way.

And here’s the last thing I wish I’d known: backstory is the most fundamental, present, and meaningful foundation of the story . Or as Faulkner said, “The past isn’t dead. It isn’t even past.”

2. Jane Friedman , writing and publishing coach/blogger

Establish a reading habit that matches roughly what you hope to write and publish. Make it as important as anything else you schedule in your day, and never allow busyness to crowd out the time you devote to consuming other good works.

It’s fine not to finish books or to abandon authors you don’t like, but never stop consuming the genre you want become known in. It raises your writerly IQ and ultimately lays the foundation for better literary citizenship and networking with other authors, editors, and agents . A non-reader is soon outed and left behind in this business.

3. Joe Bunting , founder of The Write Practice

You think you’re pretty talented. You think you’re pretty smart. And you are. But the best way to fail at being a writer is to spend all your time proving you know what you’re doing rather than learning from the people and resources around you.

Stop posturing. Start practicing. And have fun.

4. Dave Chesson , founder of Kindlepreneur

Start your email list as soon as you can. I spent a couple of years not doing an email list and I can’t help but wonder how many thousands of readers I lost the ability to reach out to because I didn’t start it sooner.

There is no greater book marketing kickstart than sending a new book launch email to your already raving fans.

They’ll buy it, and even leave those crucial reviews. So, if you decide you’re going to write more than one book, setting up your email list as soon as possible is key to growing your success with each book you write.

5. Bridget McNulty , co-founder of Now Novel

Getting published is really exciting, but it’s not the point of writing.

The actual writing is what it’s all about — the daily joy in sitting down to a blank page and crafting something beautiful or funny or heartwrenching or even just blah (depending on the day).

While getting a book (and articles, and stories) published is a great ego boost, the real meaning in writing comes from the words flowing out of your fingertips — and the sense of achievement in a finished project.

6. Randy Ingermanson , novelist and creator of The Snowflake Method of plotting

You get good at writing by following these three simple steps:

1) Write a lot. The more you write, the more you’ll tune in to your unique voice and the better you’ll get.

2) Get critiqued occasionally. You should never pay any attention to what your mother says about your writing, or what anyone who loves you says about your writing, because all those people are liars. You should pay attention only to people who know what good writing is and who also know how to critique bad writing. Many who know good writing don’t have any idea how to critique bad writing and will not be able to help you.

Also be aware that many people who know how to critique bad writing would not recognize good writing if it stabbed them in the eye. This is tragic, but deal with it. You are looking for somebody who has both of these skills , and those people are rare.

You need to be told when your writing is bad and why it’s bad, because when you start writing, your work will be awful and you will imagine it’s brilliant. You also need to be told when your writing is brilliant, because by the time your writing is brilliant, you will have been told so many times that your writing is bad that you’ll imagine you are the worst writer who ever lived.

It’s just a fact that all bad writers think they are amazing and all great writers think they are terrible. And that’s why you need to be critiqued occasionally. Don’t do this every day. It hurts too much. A little critique goes a long way.

3) Study the craft of writing in books, lectures, or wherever else you can learn it. You most especially need to do this after getting critiqued.

You can’t figure it out on your own. Find a book that explains in clear words how to do right what you are doing wrong. When you finish the book, you will again believe in yourself enough to go back to step 1 and write a bunch more.

And have fun!

Need help fine-tuning your writing? Click here to download my FREE self-editing checklist.

7. K.M. Weiland , novelist and writing coach

I would want my younger self to realize that as wonderful as publication is, it isn’t the point of the writing process.

It’s just a stop along the road. Writing is more about the journey than the destination. As award-winning author Anne Lamott points out, “Being published isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Writing is.” So don’t let your non-published status get you down. Just enjoy where you are right now.

8. Bryan Collins , writing coach

I’d say start publishing your work online and showing it to people even if it’s not ready or perfect.

I spent years writing short stories and trying to get my sentences just right. I rarely showed them to anyone and I didn’t get the feedback I needed to improve as a writer . Instead, I stuffed my drafts in a drawer.

It was only after I started writing online that I discovered I’m better at — and prefer — writing nonfiction . If I’d learnt that lesson ten years ago, I would have saved myself a lot of time.

Still, sometimes you have to make mistakes to fall forward.

9. Rachelle Gardner , literary agent

There’s no rush to get published.

The more time you spend writing, reading, and learning to be a better writer, the better things will go for you.

Don’t try to hurry it along.

10. Ann Handley , author of Everybody Writes

I’d tell myself that the best writing serves the reader — not the writer.

Our job as writers is to make more sense of the world, to paraphrase Anne Lamott and E.B. White and a million other writers.

So even when you’re writing about your own life and your own experiences from your own point of view, you’re nonetheless exposing something real and true and universal.

So make each sentence (and every word in that sentence) earn its keep: Is this sentence indulgent? Or does it help the reader? Does it explain, elucidate, or elevate the truth?

Get out of your head and into your reader’s.

11. Joanna Penn , novelist and writing coach

Schedule time to write, show up for that meeting with yourself, and put words onto the page.

It doesn’t matter if those words aren’t very good — they probably won’t be, but that’s OK because you can make them better when you edit them later.

But you can’t edit a blank page, so get your butt into the chair and write!

Need help with time management? Click here to download my FREE guide How to Maximize Your Writing Time .

12. Gabriela Pereira , author and founder of DIY MFA

I would say: “Dream big, execute small.”

These words of wisdom are not my own but they have become a mantra for me.

Creative success requires both a big vision and small, deliberate steps.

Audacious goals aren’t reached without persistent action.

13. Joel Friedlander , founder of The Book Designer

Getting into the habit of sitting down and writing every day is essential.

A writer is someone who writes, and the only path to improving your craft and finding both satisfaction and success in your writing is to keep doing it.

Try to write at the same time each day, and don’t worry too much about whether what your writing is good or not — just keep writing.

14. Lisa Tener , book development coach

They are the greatest support for your writing and your creativity.

With them, you will write with greater ease, break through blocks more easily, and have the stamina to write consistently and from your heart.

15. Carol Tice , founder of Make a Living Writing

Simply take action and don’t overthink where this might end up.

Think of something scarier than writing your piece, and it’ll be a breeze by comparison.

Instead of feeling scared to take action, think of everything you do as a writer like it’s a science experiment. “I’ll write this and send it off and see what happens, mwahaha.” Then, learn from that and do better.

16. C.S. Lakin , author and writing coach

I would say to myself: “You are way too cocky.

You think you know how to write a novel because you’ve read thousands of them. You need to stop trying to publish your terrible manuscript and spend time learning the craft.

There is actually a thing called structure , and you don’t know it.

Get every good book there is on writing craft, attend workshops and retreats, and, for God’s sake, be humble! Take advice. Be teachable.”

17. Tara Lazar , children’s author

Stop being in such a rush. Slow down and work on your craft.

I wanted the agent and the deal to happen immediately. Yesterday.

Read. Write. Learn.

It will happen for you if you take the time to master your craft.

18. James Scott Bell , novelist and writing coach

Don’t be so impatient!

It takes time to develop your craft.

You spent your 20s believing what so many told you, that you can’t learn to write. But then you tried, and you discovered you CAN learn.

Keep learning. Keep writing.

Want to write a book but don't know where to start? Click here to download my FREE guide: How to Write a Book: Everything You Need to Know in 20 Steps .

19. Debbie Ohi , children’s author

Don’t use your introversion as an excuse.

Yes, you may prefer to hide out in your creative cave, dreading learning to network and talk to people you don’t know. If you get out and starting practicing now , then your path will be that much smoother.

Start by joining the writers groups and getting to know others in the community.

It may be terrifying at first but it will get easier, and you’ll be surprised at how much fun you’ll have, the friends you’ll make.

20. Jennie Nash , founder of Author Accelerator

I would tell my younger self to listen to the wise elders who told me that I could make a career in the writing world.

I spent so long doubting myself, and making excuses, and waiting for someone to roll out a red carpet, and circling around the actual writing by doing jobs that were “writing adjacent.” All that delay and doubt cost me.

I recently launched a book coaching company, and we inspire writers to believe they can actually do it, and help them take the steps toward making their dreams a reality.

It feels like I’ve come full circle.

21. Chris Fabry , novelist and radio host, author of Under a Cloudless Sky

I would actually go back to my childhood and encourage myself to pay more attention to details.

Listen and observe more closely.

You think sitting at your grandmother’s kitchen table and listening to your uncles tell stories is fun.

These are seeds being sown into your soul. Soak up everything. You will use all you’re hearing, seeing, touching, tasting, and smelling.

When you’re an author you will draw from these holy moments. All great storytelling begins in childhood.

[ Chris’s blog on how to make it as a writer.]

22. Les Edgerton , novelist and writing coach

In Jim Harrison’s words:

“Read the whole of western literature for the past 400 years.

If time allows, read the whole of eastern literature for the same time period.

For, if one cannot tell what passed for good in the past, one cannot tell what passes for good now.”

23. DiAnn Mills , novelist and writing coach

I would tell myself that my writing career isn’t about me.

True success can never be about the writer.

Fulfilling the calling is about reaching readers with an excellent story that entertains, inspires, and encourages.

Writing is about putting reader needs first, which means constantly educating myself in the craft, social media, and the publishing industry.

24. Angela Hunt , author and writing coach

The experts don’t always know best.

You can build a readership of people who like to read in different genres.

You have to stop writing sometimes to have a life that will fuel your writing. Other avocations can scratch a different creative itch and fuel your writing as well.

Fast writing might be sloppy writing, but it ends with a result that can be cleaned up and rewritten as many times as necessary. Go at your own pace, but go!

Writing is hard.

Anyone can string words together, but imbuing those words with the power to touch a heart and change a life — that takes work, talent, and skill. And perseverance. Most of all, perseverance.

25. Steve Laube , literary agent

There is no such thing as an instant book.

A book can be published quickly, but that is the exception, not the rule.

26. Philip Yancey , author

“Do not attempt this act alone.”

Yes, writing is a solitary act, performed in isolation. But the editing process needs different sets of eyes to help clarify the writer’s vision and meaning.

The grouchiest curmudgeons make the best editors; praise feels good, but only criticism helps me improve.

27. Gloria Kempton , author and writing coach

My advice to my new writing self would be the mythologist, Joseph Campbell’s, words, Follow your bliss : “Gloria, rather than following publishing trends or dictates of the Christian publishing industry, stay close to your personal truth as it comes to you when you sit down to write. Listen, not to the many publishing ’experts’ about how to craft your message, and how to sneak that message into everything you write.

Instead, explore the questions that rise within your soul that will lead you to a more meaningful writing path, one of integrity and passion for the truth that is uniquely yours as a child of God.

When you sit down to write, assume you know nothing. Become curious. Investigate. Inquire. Your mission is not to tell readers who they are and what they should believe; your mission is to ask the important questions and give readers the opportunity to explore those for themselves.”

28. Allen Arnold , author, speaker, former publisher

I would tell my younger self that no great art was ever created without great heart.

In the creative process, the heart of the storyteller takes priority over everything else including formulas, word count, social media, and productivity.

So, first live well; then write well.

Allow God to awaken your own hearts before you ask your art to stir the hearts of others. That will infuse your stories with an eternal spark that transcends you and transforms others.

29. Saundra Dalton-Smith , author, speaker, physician

Focus on establishing a relationship with potential readers before you consider writing a book.

Blog , share on YouTube, participate in social media, or even have an email newsletter list.

Start building your tribe years before writing the first book proposal .

Your unique story will draw your tribe to you. The more your readers feel they are part of your story the more likely they are to share with others.

30. Becca Puglisi , author of The Emotion Thesaurus

Don’t be afraid to say Yes .

The journey to becoming a writer can be daunting. There’s so much to do and learn, and it’s easy to look at other opportunities as distractions, particularly if you’re not totally comfortable doing them. Step out of your comfort zone and stretch yourself.

New challenges will grow you as a author and take you farther than you imagined possible. Saying Yes might be the first step in mastering a difficult area of the craft, expanding your writing options, meeting other authors who will be integral to your growth, becoming an international speaker, or selling way more books than you ever thought possible.

So when an opportunity presents itself that might seem scary or even impossible, don’t dismiss it outright. Instead, consider what it might offer. Will it teach you a worthwhile skill, give you a chance to try something new, or require you to do something that makes you nervous? If so, it might be a good idea after all.

31. William Noble , author and writing coach, attorney

Don’t assume you must follow a predetermined writer’s path, that you will be a novelist or a poet or a playwright or a journalist, and you will concentrate on this form of writing only.

Try all forms of writing, don’t pre-type yourself, produce fiction, creative nonfiction, poetry, playscripts, essays, profiles, humor, memoir, and biography.

Eventually, the shape of your talent will emerge from how you have tested yourself.

32. Steven James , author and speaker

I would confirm to my younger self that story always trumps structure.

Numerous books tell how to plot and structure a story ; however, these can end up derailing the story.

It’s tempting to utilize them instead of following the organic process of story shaping, but it’s vital that you let the story inform the direction of your writing. Fear will always drive you back to an outline .

Part of the artistic process is learning to channel that fear into creativity and not confine yourself because of it.

33. Michele Cushatt , author, speaker, emcee

The writers who endure are those who can’t not write, the ones for whom contracts and publication are secondary rewards.

Rather than aiming at recognition, they chase understanding. They lean into the struggle, learn to marvel at the untangling of complexities and the transcendence of unforgettable stories.

Writing holds the power to transform you and the way you see the world in a way few other human experiences can. This is the real reward, the one that lasts long after the lights go out.

34. Marion Roach Smith , memoir writing coach

“Discipline.”

The clear, hard, cold fact is that without discipline all the inspiration and rituals, lucky pencils, good views out the window, and all those other things you think you have to have before you write, won’t bring you anything of value. They simply will not sustain you the way discipline will.

I’d tell myself that with humor and grace, however, and not a bit sternly.

No young writer should be spoken to with the least amount of stern admonition, but rather with enormous encouragement and support.

Need help getting more words on the page when you write? Click here to download my FREE guide How to Maximize Your Writing Time .

35. Patricia Raybon , author, writer, teacher

Write daily. But not just for productivity. Write to discover yourself, getting reintroduced to the human being you’re blessed to be — that person indwelled with something of value to offer the world.

Don’t publish daily. Rather, publish regularly — fine-tuning what you want to say to the world and how to say it.

Bluster, brawling and bravado? No. Kindness, motivation and encouragement. Yes .

Even as I write this reflection for author friend Jerry Jenkins, I’m reminded why daily writing matters. It’s a bonus tool — helping unearth your brand, purpose, message, values, and audience. Therefore, write. In journals. In letters. On the grocery list taped to your refrigerator. Write something down. Today. You’ll grow as a writer. Even better? You’ll grow as a person. Your readers and your career will thank you.

36. Brandilyn Collins , novelist and writing teacher

Brandilyn, you’re embarking on a very difficult journey.

You’ll have some highs and lots of lows. The writing business/industry will be all over the map, and no matter what you sell, you’re likely to always want more.

Remember — this is not about you. Your writing for the Christian market — writing novels that portray God’s grace and power — is for Him.

God will do with these books as He chooses. God will use the words you write to change people’s lives for eternity. And that’s something no price tag could ever cover.

Follow His will for your writing. Continue to work hard on your craft. Work hard on marketing. Give God your best. Then leave the results to Him.

37. Julie Duffy , founder of Story a Day

Don’t wait to write until you’re older/wiser/invited to the party.

Don’t wait until you have something “important” to say. You are living now, and you’ll never be able to recapture the feeling of being 15, 22, 36…not really. The things that matter to you now, won’t matter in the same way when you’re older, and the things that matter to you when you’re older won’t necessarily be more important. You might know more, but that won’t make you more interesting or important. Write now.

Don’t wait, because when you do have something important to say, you won’t want your writing to be rusty. Your writing will change and evolve, and when you get stuck you will seek out the mentors and teachers you need to move you to the next stage.

Don’t wait, because the best ideas come when you’re writing. You will never, never run out of ideas, as long as you keep writing.

Don’t wait for anyone to tell you to write. Whether or not anyone ever pays you to write, or asks you to contribute, or gives you permission to sneak off and steal an hour or two to tell stories on paper, writing is a part of you. You are more fully yourself when you accept and embrace that. You’re easier to live with when you’re writing, so claim the time you need, and don’t wait. Make it a priority to do the writing, rather than to worry about whether you’ll ever make a career of it. Don’t put the cart before the horse, my girl!

Oh, and you’re going to love this thing called the Internet.

38. Randy Alcorn , inspirational author

Write only those books you are absolutely convinced God wants you to. Not just books that are good ideas, but ideas that you’re personally passionate about and fit your heart, convictions, wiring, and style, not someone else’s.

It’s great to listen to publishers and others, hear their ideas, and modify yours as long as you can retain a sense of ownership so it really remains your book. Never write a book you can’t pour yourself into 100%. Even 90% isn’t enough, because when you hit the rough spots, your heart needs to be totally in it.

39. Jessica Strawser , author and editor-at-large, Writer’s Digest

Having since learned the power of tapping into networks of fellow writers — through genre-based organizations, conferences, Facebook groups, in-person groups, any way you can — my advice would be to find and grow your tribe as early and as well as you’re able.

Their support will buoy you at every stage, and through giving as good as you get, you’ll stay connected to the joy of the craft even when you’re feeling the heat beyond the page.

40. Jerry Jenkins , novelist and biographer, owner, Jerry Jenkins Writers Guild

Before submitting anything, be sure you’re happy with every word.

Become an aggressive, even ferocious self-editor.

Click here for my guide on this subject. And here for information on my Writers Guild.

Are You Making This #1 Amateur Writing Mistake?

Faith-Based Words and Phrases

What You and I Can Learn From Patricia Raybon

Wait! Before you go...

Here's a FREE copy of my 12-step guide to writing a novel.

Just tell me where to send it:

Enter your email to instantly access my ultimate self-editing checklist.

Enter your email to instantly access my ultimate guide:

How to maximize your writing time.

Enter your email to instantly access my ultimate guide:

How to write a book: everything you need to know in 20 steps.

Find the perfect editor for your book ➔

Find the perfect editor for your next book

1 million authors trust the professionals on Reedsy, come meet them.

Posted on Sep 26, 2019

20 Writing Tips to Improve Your Craft

“The pen is mightier than the sword.” Writer Edgar Bulwer-Lytton made this keen observation nearly 200 years ago, but it remains just as true today. Writing is one of the most powerful forms in existence, and a simple story can change countless lives — which is why so many of us choose to be writers in the first place.

But sometimes it can be difficult to find the right words, to tell the story the way you want, or to start writing in the first place. That’s why we’ve compiled these 20 essential writing tips for writers like you: artists who want to hone their craft to perfection, so they can tell their stories effectively to the world.

Some of these tips are narrative-related, while others are more about the mentality and setting you need in order to write. But all have one crucial thing in common: if you take them to heart, they’ll help you improve your craft — and maybe even pen the book of your dreams .

If you prefer your tips in watchable form, check out this video on great writing tips that no one else will tell you.

1. Even pantsers need to plan

Let’s begin with an age-old question: are you a plotter or a pantser?

If you’ve never heard these terms before, allow us to explain. Pantsers are writers who “fly by the seat of their pants,” i.e. start writing without preparing too much and simply trust that everything will work out. At the other end of the spectrum are plotters , who plan and outline extensively before they begin to write.

Which is the better way forward? Well, it’s different for everyone — what works for you may not necessarily work for another writer you know.

However, experience has taught us that a little bit of planning goes a long way. That’s why we always advise some form of preparation, even if it’s just a few nuggets of your plot, before you dive into writing. So create an outline today , if you haven't already!

2. Keep your outline in mind

Once you’ve prepared that outline, it’s important to actually use it. This may seem obvious, but it's seemingly one of the hardest-to-remember writing tips out there!

Many writers find themselves led astray by subplots and secondary characters, wandering into rambling chapters that don’t really go anywhere. Then when they try to get back to the main plot, they find they’re already too far gone.

Keeping your outline in mind at all times will help you avoid these disastrous detours. Even if you stray a little , you should be able to look at your outline and articulate exactly how you’ll get back to what you planned.

This is especially crucial late in the writing process, when it can be hard to remember your original vision — so if you have doubts about your ability to remember your outline, definitely write it down.

3. Introduce conflict early

Of all the core elements in your story, conflict is perhaps the most important to emphasize. Conflict lies at the heart of every good narrative, so make sure readers know what your conflict is within the first few chapters!

The best way to do this is through an early inciting incident , wherein the main character has a revelation and/or becomes involved in something big. For example, in The Hunger Games , the inciting incident is Katniss volunteering for the Games — which kicks off her personal and political conflict with the Capitol.

Finally, remember that there are many different types of conflict . So if you have no idea what your conflict, it’s probably just unconventional. For instance, your conflict might be one that unfolds within your narrator (character vs. self), or against some larger force (like character vs. technology). Once you do figure it out, try to introduce it early!

4. Control the pacing

Nothing ruins a good book like poor pacing. So make sure you control the pacing in your story, lest readers lose interest and put down your book in frustration!

In order to combat slow pacing , you’ll need to increase the tempo by:

A) Cutting down lengthy sentences and descriptions, and B) Increasing action and dialogue.

The first strategy works for one simple reason: it gets rid of filler and fluff. In extreme cases, you may have to cut a great deal of exposition in order to get to the beating heart of your story. (See writing tip #18 to help you with this.)

As for the latter, it might seem like adding more content is counterintuitive to a quicker pace. But because action and dialogue move the story forward in a concrete manner, you can always rely on them to improve slow pacing.

5. Fine-tune your dialogue

Speaking of dialogue , it's pretty critical to most stories, both in terms of plot and drawing in readers. Indeed, a conversation between characters is usually much more impactful than a narrator relaying similar information.

But dialogue loses its impact if the conversation goes on for too long — so for better, sharper dialogue, be concise . Say you’re writing a story in which two characters have an argument. You might be tempted to go on for paragraphs to convey emotion, tension, and meaning, but all this can fit into just a few sentences. Like so:

“Nice of you to show up. What were you doing, if not getting groceries?” “Thanks for the warm reception. I had a meeting. Kind of an important one.”

For more dialogue-specific writing tips, check out this post — or the video below!

6. Show, don’t tell

He wakes up just after eight. It’s bright outside the window and the carriage is warming up, a heavy warmth of breath and sweat. Minor train stations with unreadable names flash past… Connell rubs his left eye with his knuckles and sits up. Elaine is reading the one novel she has brought with her on the journey, a novel with a glossy cover and the words "Now a Major Motion Picture" along the top.

As you can see, it’s pretty hard to completely eliminate telling from your prose — in fact, the first sentence in this passage could qualify as “telling.” But the rest is “showing,” as it paints an evocative picture of the scene: the bright, warm carriage in the train that's rushing past other stations, the girl reading the glossy novel in the opposite seat.

If you can use all five senses to convey the scene, all the better. Tell us not just what the central character sees, but also what they hear, smell, taste, and feel in order to truly immerse the reader in the scene.

FREE COURSE

Show, Don't Tell

Master the golden rule of writing in 10 five-minute lessons.

7. But don’t reveal TOO much

While you want your scene-by-scene descriptions to be as “showy” as possible, don’t reveal too much to readers about your plot and characters. This is the idea behind Hemingway's “Iceberg Theory,” which posits that you should only provide readers with “the tip of the iceberg” — the most essential part of the story.

Many writers create elaborate histories for their characters, or have long-reaching plans for them beyond their current works. But readers only need to know the “here and now,” so to speak. Giving them too much information will overwhelm them, and likely cause them to put your book down in favor of something simpler.

So while you might include a bit of backstory or foreshadowing every so often, it’s best to keep most of this info to yourself. This also works on another level, in that you can reveal tantalizing drips of information as the story progresses, which will pique readers’ interest rather than lose it. (Two writing tips for the price of one!)

8. Consider your themes

Common literary themes include love, loss, and the importance of doing the right thing. Your themes will depend on your genre and subject material, but they may also relate closely to your personal beliefs and experiences. Try to embrace this, as writing what you know is a great way to infuse your story with genuine emotion.

9. Be careful with POV

Your narrator is your reader’s gateway into the story, so be careful with point of view. Don’t make your narrator’s voice too specific, as they need to speak in an accessible and relatable way for readers — and a non-stereotypical way if they happen to speak in a certain dialect. (For help with this, you might consider getting a sensitivity reader .)

Also remember that, while omniscient narration is the most flexible way to tell your story, it also requires the most discipline as an author. An omniscient narrator can easily move too rapidly among storylines, causing mental whiplash for readers.

To avoid this , remember our tip about having your outline in mind at all times! That way, even if you have an omniscient narrator, they shouldn’t get too far off track.

10. Write as often as you can

Now we’re getting into the more process-based writing tips. Write as much as possible is one of those tips you’re surely tired of hearing, but the reason it’s so common is because it works!

The only way you’re ever going to finish writing a book is by sitting down and writing it , so work on your story as often as you can. Write whenever and wherever you have a bit of downtime — on the bus, in a long line at the grocery store, waiting for your laundry, etc. It might feel strange to write on your phone rather than on a laptop at your desk, but you’ll get accustomed if you do it often enough.

If you can't figure out what to write, we have some awesome writing prompts , writing exercises , and even writing scholarships (if you're a student) to help you out! You can also check out these great opening lines , our guide to getting started with creative writing or watch the video below to inspire you.

11. Ask yourself questions

One way to ensure you’re doing your best, most creative writing is to question yourself constantly. It’s easy to get complacent with your writing, even if you’re technically meeting your word count goals. But if you’re always challenging yourself, you’ll see every bit of potential in your story and fulfill it as you progress.

A few good questions to ask yourself might be:

12. Write now, edit later

That said, don’t challenge yourself so much you become too paralyzed to write. When in doubt, just skip over it, or write a crappy version of it for now. Write now, edit later is the approach of countless authors, and if it works for them, it can work for you too!

We won’t really touch on editing here, since this is a list of writing tips, not editing tips. But if you’re interested in the “later” part, you can check out this guide on how to edit a book . And remember: you don't have to go it alone — the Internet is chock full of writing groups willing to give you constructive criticism , not to mention great editing tools to get the job done.

13. Read your work out loud

Many of the best writers' and editors' writing tips include reading aloud what you write in order to check it for inconsistencies and awkward phrasing. This tactic particularly helps weed out long, unwieldy sentences, and it's a godsend when you're working out how to write dialogue that sounds true to your characters..

For bonus points, you might even stage a reading with a group of friends (or fellow writers) where each person reads the dialogue of a different character. This will give your writing more “distance” and help you see its flaws more easily. If you do stage a reading, remember to take notes, so you can remember what to fix afterward!

14. Make it short and sweet

As Polonius said, brevity is the soul of wit, so keep your writing as short and sweet as you can. This will both entice readers and help you avoid purple prose , which tends to be a dealbreaker for readers and agents alike.

Of course, if you’re writing literary fiction, you do want your writing to sound intelligent. How can you do this without going on for paragraphs at a time? The answer is by making strong word choices, especially when it comes to verbs . Don’t dilute your story with adverb-y sentences — get down to business and tell us what the characters are doing.

15. Get rid of distractions

Yes, this is probably one of the hardest writing tips to follow — especially for those of us who enjoy working from noisy coffee shops and taking frequent Netflix breaks . But the more you eliminate distractions, the better your writing will become. Here are some ideas on how to enter deep focus mode:

16. Work through crises of confidence

In every writer’s life, there comes a point where they second-guess their entire endeavor. This will no doubt happen to you, too — maybe you’ll notice a major plot hole halfway through, a theme you have no idea how to incorporate, or you'll simply hit a creative wall .

Fear not: every writer who’s ever completed a book has gotten through this. But how can you work through such writerly crises without bashing your head against the wall?

If you ask us, the best solution is to return to your early notes and original outline. Look back to see if there’s anything there that can help you — you may have forgotten about some critical component, or it may help you see things in a new light.

And if that doesn’t work, you might just need some time away from this particular project. Take a break for a day or two, then come back to it with fresh eyes. But whatever you do, don’t give up! Remember, every writer’s been through this same thing. Think of it as your initiation, and refuse to let it break you.

17. Listen to feedback

Now for another one of those writing tips that we all struggle with. Throughout the process of writing, and definitely after you’re finished, you should share your work with other people: your friends, family, writers’ groups (both in person and on the Internet ), and your editor(s).

Accepting and actioning critical feedback is one of the most difficult parts of being a writer. Yet it’s also one of the most important skills to have. Because the feedback you receive from friends and beta readers is the only window you have into other people’s views — until you publish and it's too late.

So try not to view criticism as harsh, but as helpful. It might just save you from literary infamy later! On that note…

18. Kill your darlings

Sometimes you’ll pen a passage that’s so beautiful, so nuanced, so masterfully constructed that you want to frame it — but it doesn’t really contribute anything to the larger work. It’s a distraction, and you know in your heart that your book would be better off without it.

What to do now? You probably know the answer, even if you don’t want to admit it: you have to kill your darlings. This most often refers to removing an irrelevant or otherwise distracting passage, but it may also be your title , an element of your narration, or even an entire character.

In any case, if it doesn’t add to the story, consider dropping it. Of all our writing tips, this one is perhaps the most important for writers of short stories and flash fiction , since you don’t have any room to waste! Remember, you can always save it to re-use later.

19. Just keep writing

How do prolific, successful authors manage to turn out so many books? Basically, by keeping calm and carrying on. Stephen King writes 2,000 words every single day, even on holidays. Jane Austen wrote each day just after breakfast without fail. Kafka wrote in the wee hours of the morning, barely sleeping as a result.

Now, Jane Austen never had a smartphone distracting her, so that was kind of an unfair advantage. But you do still need to at least attempt a similar lifestyle, and keep writing with as much consistency and focus as possible!

This is one of the best writing tips we can give any author, fiction or non-fiction, short-form or long. Remember that it’s a marathon, not a sprint, and keep your head down until you hit that final blessed page.

20. Keep publishing in mind

Last but certainly not least on this list of writing tips, we’ll cover the potential of publishing your book once it’s finally finished. Though it's the final step in the process, thinking about it as you write can really motivate you! Not to mention it's good to have some idea of your plan when you cross that finish line.

For example, if you go the traditional publishing route , you should consider how you might pitch your book to agents. What makes your story unique, and why would they want to represent it? If you start writing with the aim to publish, you can consciously highlight these elements in the story.

On the other hand, if you’re thinking about self-publishing , the adventure truly does begin once you’ve finished the manuscript ! After a round or two of editing and getting a book cover, you should be set to put your book up on Amazon and start selling.

There are pros and cons to both these sides. Luckily, if you’ve gotten to this point, the hard part is over; you’ve managed to write the book of your dreams, and now what you do with it is up to you!

And if you haven't quite gotten there yet, know that it's never too late. Writing is a lifelong challenge, but it's also one of the most rewarding things you can pursue. So go forth and tell the story you've always wanted to tell — we believe in you. ✍

Did we miss anything? Tell us your best writing tips in the comments below!

3 responses

Kalyan Panja says:

03/08/2019 – 07:19

Thanks for sharing this inspiring article which can help many to decide on the choices they make to write better and engaging articles.

Lost-Identification says:

13/08/2019 – 12:16

Do you have any recommendations for a book to help improve writing? I've been reading books like, "The Anatomy of Story" by John Truby, "Dialogue: The art of verbal action for the page, stage, and screen" by Robert Mckee, and just reading a wide genre of books.

↪️ Phil Slattery replied:

16/10/2019 – 04:32

Read The Elements of Style by Strunk and White. It has been a Bible for some great writers since the 1930's. It's updated periodically. It is short, concise, and clear; exactly what writing should be. It helped me immensely. A very concise guide that helped me immensely with punctuation is Webster"s New World Guide to Punctuation. Wonderfully concise and clear work. This won't cover every debatable nuance of punctuation, but it will cover everything you need to write well.

Comments are currently closed.

Continue reading

Title Capitalization Rules: Learn Which Words To Capitalize

Whether you're using a style guide like AP, APA, MLA, or Chicago, or just want to make sure you're capitalizing your titles properly, this post explains all the rules so you know which words to capitalize or not.

Lay vs. Lie: A Definitive Explanation

To lay or to lie? Learn when to use each verb, and how to distinguish between them.

Grammarly Review: A Writer's Best Friend?

Can Grammarly really help authors? Find out in this in-depth review of the popular proofreading tool.

Campfire Write Review: Everything You Need to Know

For writers doing a lot of worldbuilding and outlining, especially in fantasy or sci-fi, Campfire Write is a handy, if not potentially expensive, writing software.

Hyphen vs Dash: How to Pick the Right One

Not sure when to use a hyphen or a dash? Check out this post to learn some quick rules!

What is Blackout Poetry? The Ultimate Guide to Erasure Verse

Wondering what blackout poetry is? Learn its history and how to make your own erasure poem in this post.

Join a community of over 1 million authors

Reedsy is more than just a blog. Become a member today to discover how we can help you publish a beautiful book.

1 million authors trust the professionals on Reedsy, come meet them.

Enter your email or get started with a social account:

Which writing app is best for you?

Take our 1 minute quiz to find out.

The Only Two Writing Tips You’ll Ever Need: Read and Write

by Melissa Donovan | Jan 31, 2023 | Writing Tips | 18 comments

Read and write!

I love collecting writing tips . You never know when you’re going to stumble across a golden nugget of wisdom that will make your writing richer and more vibrant. One of the reasons I started this website was so that I could share the many valuable tips that I’ve collected over the years. I figure that if some bit of advice helped my writing, it will probably help others’ writing as well.

But writing tips are funny things. What works for me might not work for you. Maybe you’re naturally inclined to show rather than tell whereas I need someone to say, “show, don’t tell.” Or maybe you only write nonfiction and have no use for tips on creating believable characters or riveting plots. Maybe you only write far-out, abstract poetry and could care less about good grammar.

We writers are a varied bunch with different needs, goals, and standards. But we all have one thing in common: we write.

And because we all write, there are a couple of writing tips that apply to each and every one of us. In fact, I’d argue that there are just two things that every writer absolutely must do in order to succeed.

“If you want to be a writer, you must do two things above all others: read a lot and write a lot.” – Stephen King

Writers must read.

Writing begins with reading. It is through reading that we learn how to tell stories, how to choose words and craft sentences. The books we read will inform and inspire the books we’ll write, and there’s a lot we can learn from the authors who have gone before us.

If you’re not well-read, it will show in your writing. More than once, I’ve reviewed written work and asked the author, “Do you read much?” Almost always, the answer is exactly what I guessed. If the writing flows effortlessly, the writer reads a lot. If the writing is jagged, confusing, and amateurish, then the writer is not a big reader.

Can you imagine a musician who never listens to music? A film director who doesn’t watch movies? These are the arts. You’re in it because you love it, with fierce passion. You’re going to need that passion if you want to get anywhere, and you’re going to have to be immersed in the art to which you aspire. For writers, that means reading. Lots and lots of reading.

And if you read voraciously, you’ll reap the benefits:

There are many more writerly perks that come from reading. Can you think of any to add?

Writers Write

It goes without saying, yet it has to be said again and again: If you want to be a writer, you must write. But how much must you write?

According to neurologist Daniel Levitin, to become a true master at anything, one must put in 10,000 hours:

“In study after study, of composers, basketball players, fiction writers, ice-skaters, concert pianists, chess players, master criminals, this number comes up again and again. Ten thousand hours is equivalent to roughly three hours a day, or 20 hours a week, of practice over 10 years… No one has yet found a case in which true world-class expertise was accomplished in less time. It seems that it takes the brain this long to assimilate all that it needs to know to achieve true mastery. “ – Daniel Levitin

Allow me to repeat the time it takes: 10,000 hours — three hours per day (or 20 hours per week) for ten years. That’s to become a master writer. Maybe you just want to be a published writer. In either case, you’re going to have to do a whole lot of writing. Take a few minutes today to think about how many hours you’ve spent writing (or reading, or both). A few hundred? A few thousand? Maybe you’re halfway there. Maybe you’ve passed the finish line and just need to start putting your work out there.

There’s no point sitting around daydreaming about becoming a writer, thinking someday I’ll write that novel. Someday is here. Someday was yesterday. It’s today. And it’s tomorrow. Someday is right now. So start writing — today and every day.

Learn from the Masters

Stephen King is an accomplished writer. He has sold over 350 million copies of his novels and short stories. Many of his works have been adapted for film and television, including Carrie , Cujo , The Green Mile , and “ The Body ,” (which was made into the popular film Stand By Me ) [aff links] . Mr. King has won numerous awards and received much critical acclaim. The sheer volume of his output is astounding. His success is vast, perhaps unparalleled. In fact, he’s one of the most successful writers of all time — perhaps the most successful.

Stephen King is exactly the kind of writer from whom the rest of us need to learn. Not just because he’s published (and published a lot), but also because his fans adore him, Hollywood loves him (writers make big bucks when they sell film rights), and of course, there are all those awards and all that acclaim. But most importantly, Stephen King succeeded in doing what the rest of us writers strive to do — he makes a living as a writer.

Guess what writing tips Stephen King offers the rest of us? (Hint: watch the video below to find out).

Other Writing Tips

Like I said, I collect writing tips. I have a whole bunch of them clanking around inside my head. Some have been vital; others I could have done without. I will keep collecting these tips and sharing them with you, but none of them will be as powerful as read and write .

So keep taking notes. Look for new ways to get inspired, fresh approaches to language and story. Jot down all your favorite writing tips and tricks in your journal. Use the ones that feel right and make your writing better.

But if you don’t do anything else, keep reading and writing.

Do you read every day? How often do you write? What other writing tips have been useful to you? Share your thoughts by leaving a comment.

Stephen King quote: Goodreads

18 Comments

I try to read anything everything that interest me.I read books,too.But, I try to build my vocabulary,and stimulate my mind from reading. Also I do sometimes have my creative juices flowing to write.The problem is, when I think about writing something,I’m not near a pen and paper to write anything down. Now,My main focus is trying to get a unfinished manuscript finished even thought it’s been sitting dormant for two years,now. I thought if I would write a short story book,and put it out there,just to see where I’m at. How often do I read ?Just about every day,and a book usually take me about a week or two to finish depending on if it’s a good book or not.And as far as writing is concern I read more than I write,I don’t know if procrastination or something else with my writing.

One of the most common pieces of advice for writers is this: carry a notebook with you at all times. You can also use your smart phone or a tablet to write when you’re on the go. That way you won’t lose ideas, and if you’re struck with inspiration, you’ll have writing tools handy. I keep a small notebook in my purse (and other locations, like my nightstand). I think a smart phone is one of the best tools for writers. I have a Kindle app and several text apps plus a voice recording app on mine and I’ve made good use of all of them. I probably don’t read enough right now. I have too many active writing projects and they are taking time away from my reading, but things will slow down soon and I’ll be able to get back to my massive to-read pile.

Help another author out in your reading by reviewing books and putting those reviews on book sites. I have learned a lot by reviewing other writers’ works and seeing what I should or should not do. It’s great experience.

Yes, one of the greatest things you can do for an author whose work you’ve enjoyed is to leave a positive review on Amazon or Goodreads!

Ah, there’s the conflict: how to reconcile my 12-hour dayshift job that pays the bills, the housework on days off, appointments, and needs of offspring with the writing life. I love to read, but then that takes up what spare time I have for my writing. Writing itself is a full-time job, and I don’t function very well on 2 hours sleep. (Yes, that has happened when I’ve been working on projects.) It definitely helps to know I’m not the only one who struggles with this. I just purchased Stephen King’s book “On Writing” but I have 2 other books in line first that I need to finish. Maybe. I may also go back to them and read his first. And then there’s those scrapbook pages I need to finish… I think the main problem is, I need to establish DISCIPLINE in my life! Don’t think even Mr. King got published without that first.

A twelve-hour day shift is pretty long! I can see how it would be hard to get to reading and writing with a schedule like that. You mentioned scrapbooking…I scrapbooked for a while, but I eventually decided that I didn’t have time to scrapbook, play guitar, draw, read, and write. I ended up doing things in phases. I would scrapbook for a few months (while my music and writing suffered from lack of practice), and then I would play guitar for a few months (while everything else suffered)…on and on it went.

I finally realized I had too many hobbies, and I couldn’t give any of them the attention they needed to elevate them into my profession or livelihood. I made a decision to pursue writing and pretty much dropped everything else, at least for now. I might revisit my old hobbies between big writing projects. Earlier this year, I made a scrapbook for my mom (a printed one via Shutterfly) and when I have time for a short, creative break, I do a little drawing. But I definitely give reading and writing top priority. If I don’t have time for those activities, then I don’t have time for the others.

I’m not suggesting you give up scrapbooking — I’m just saying that if you’re really crunched for time, maybe prioritizing would help. On the other hand, if these are all hobbies and you’re not trying to turn any of them into a career, then I say just do what you want when you want.

I read quite a bit and it’s an eclectic bunch of books. I’ve discovered I even enjoy YA; what a surprise that happened to be! An average novel will take me two or three days, squeezing it in anytime I can throughout my day.

I also write every day. I discovered that writing doesn’t necessarily have to be working on a novel, short story, or play. Writing an email or a blog post helps to enhance my skills as much as creative writing. My monthly column ends up being a well-spring of an education on research, proofreading, editing, and tightening (in particular) to meet the maximum word count before submitting to my publisher.

My favorite writing quote is from Maralys Wills: Damn the rejections, keep writing and keep submitting.

You never know when you might strike the string of words that resonates with an agent or publisher.

I think writing emails is worthwhile, especially if we’re giving the writing due diligence, but I don’t think it’s quite the same as doing our creative writing. I write almost every day too, mostly blogging and copywriting, but I don’t think it’s doing anything for my fiction or poetry writing skills, so I need to carve out some time to work on story and poems each day. Submitting is good!

I’m not sure this is the forum to say this, but at the present time, I only write poetry, not prose.

It would be great for me if there were more writing tips about poetry.

There’s a whole section on poetry here at Writing Forward. Actually, there are a few places here you can explore:

Poetry Writing Poetry Writing Poetry Exercises Poetry Exercises Poetry Prompts Poetry Prompts

I read every day – have done for the last 70+ years. I always have a book with me. I get through about 3-4 a week in every spare moment. I can only write about 2 a year though.

That’s a lot of reading and writing!

As someone who is still relatively new to blogging/writing, I so appreciate your posts because they are articulate, and I always learn a thing or two.

Thanks! I’m glad you find the content here helpful.

Reading a lot is sound advice. I try to do that, but it’s hard for me to branch out of my favorite genres, like historical fiction. Forcing myself to read something I normally wouldn’t is also a good way to stretch myself.

I agree. One way I’ve found to get some less-enticing reading into my schedule is with audio books. Also, reading in smaller chunks can be a good way to go. Good luck!

Luckily, I am a reader anyway. Most who suffer from Insomnia get through prodigious numbers of books. I did notice some like Juliann who tend to read in preferred genres. I once was the same and someone suggested to me, every fifth book try something different. Sometimes you struggle through that book hoping for it to finish so you can get back to something you enjoy but sometimes you will find that you love the book and have found a new Genre to read (and perhaps to write in). I once read Sci-fi and fantasy exclusively. Now, historical fiction, the classics (mainly Greek and roman literature) detective novels, horror, romance. It is amazing what you will like if you only try. Read and write. Sound advice.

I’ve been lucky because I like a lot of genres in fiction. I think what I really love is simply a great story. It’s non-fiction where I have a harder time staying interested, although some non-fiction works are certainly riveting. It’s occurred to me that historical is similar to sci-fi and fantasy in that it takes us to a completely different world. Happy reading!

Submit a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Subscribe and get The Writer’s Creed graphic e-booklet, plus a weekly digest with the latest articles on writing, as well as special offers and exclusive content.

Pin It on Pinterest

100 Tips to Help You Become a Better Author

Are you looking for ways to improve your writing game? Perhaps you’d like to develop stronger storytelling skills or you need advice on how to push your author marketing to the next level. You’ve come to the right place. On this list, we’re sharing 100 top tips to help you become a fine writer in general and a better author specifically.

Let’s dive in.

1. Top Tips for Being More Productive as a Writer

Read this: Finish Your Manuscript! 8 Productivity Hacks for Writers

2. Top Tips for Becoming a Better Author

Here are 40 additional tips to help you become a better author. Subscribe to receive this extra resource.

Download your bonus content:

3. Top Tips for Finding Inspiration as a Writer

4. Top Tips for Writing a Novel

5. Top Tips for Marketing Your Book and Yourself as a Writer

6. Top Tips for Editing Your Writing

Don’t miss: Self-Editing Tips for Writers

Over to You

Do you have any tips that you’d like to share with our writer’s community? Let us know in the comments below.

Enter your email for your FREE 7-Day Bootcamp and learn:

We've sent you an e-mail, thanks for subscribing!

IMAGES

Top 10 Writing Tips Chart
Academic Help
Writing tips
Check out my top ten writing tips Part 1 of 4 Carole Seawert
Five tips for improving your writing
19 Tips to Immediately Improve Your Writing (Infographic)

VIDEO

best beginner #writing tip (1)
super easy writing tips
How to write good writing
A short writing example
A Writing Tip For Beginners (🔜That You Can Implement Immediately!)
USES OF WRITING

COMMENTS

How Do You Write a Justification?
Writing a justification requires a researcher or research team to explain the reason for implementing a particular solution, all costs to be incurred in the implementation and the list of the expenses allowed by the sponsor.
How to Write a Performance Review
Employers and employees find value in performance reviews. The feedback can range from guidance to praise, thus allowing for both parties to engage in discussion regarding what’s working and what isn’t.
What Is Conventional Writing?
Conventional writing is a type of formal writing style, used by many academic disciplines, that has a specific set of rules governing grammar, proper use and organization. Conventional writing is writing taught in academic settings.
30 Writing Tips to Make Writing Easier
30 Writing Tips to Help You Get Started · 1 Set writing goals. · 2 Write in the morning. · 3 Write daily. · 4 Get inspired by research. · 5 Always
18 Writing Tips That'll Actually Make You a Better Writer (2023)
In digital media, short sentences and short paragraphs are your friends. But that doesn't mean every sentence and paragraph you write should be
17 Writing Tips You Can Use Today [From Experts!]
Write with intention; Use psychology when writing; Write as often as you can; Eliminate distractions; Research storytelling and story structure; Always get
How to Write Better—7 Tips to Improve Your Writing Skills
Write On · 1) Have a Strong Beginning. First impressions matter. · 2) Be True to Yourself. The best writing is produced when you're writing for yourself. · 3) Know
8 Tips for Improving Your Writing Style
1. Be direct in your writing. · 2. Choose your words wisely. · 3. Short sentences are more powerful than long sentences. · 4. Write short
33 Writing Tips: Expert Advice for Nonfiction Authors
Writing Tip #2: End each day mid-sentence. This is a simple tip, and I can't remember where I learned it, but it has worked for many, many writers: stop
My Top 12 Writing Tips!
RELATED VIDEOS:→My Favourite Writing Techniques: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bBqT7KNLDsw→Show, Don't Tell:
Writing Tips: 40 Pieces of Advice From Industry Experts
Write a lot and get critiqued occasionally. Writing is more about the journey than the destination. Publish your work online (even if it's not
20 Writing Tips to Help You Improve Your Craft Today
20 Writing Tips to Improve Your Craft · 1. Even pantsers need to plan · 2. Keep your outline in mind · 3. Introduce conflict early · 4. Control the
The Only Two Writing Tips You'll Ever Need: Read and Write
Writing begins with reading. It is through reading that we learn how to tell stories, how to choose words and craft sentences. The books we read
100 Tips to Help You Become a Better Author
1. Top Tips for Being More Productive as a Writer · Make use of time blocks. Research your story in one block, write in another block. · Don't try to edit when