The Ultimate Guide to Becoming a Better Writer

1. Understand that you are a writer

Everyone is a writer of some sort. The fact is, we all write every day. The secret is if you can write

a word, you can write a phrase or simple sentence and if you can construct a simple sentence,

you can write a paragraph. A body of writing is simply the composition of paragraphs that

synchronize.

We write

 Speeches

 Text messages

 Minutes of meetings

 Letters and memos

 Scribbling of the outline of impromptu talks

However, not all are professional writers. It is therefore imperative that folks who want to

influence others through their writing and make money through writing must grow in that skill

so as to be able to effectively monetize it.

2. Purpose

Why do you want to write?

To influence people?

To inform?

To make impact?

To make income?

To improve your existing business?

Purpose will fuel your passion. The challenges that some writers have can be easily solved if they have an

inner drive for what they do.

3. Interconnectedness:

Writing begins from a concept (thought or idea). You then put it down as a word or sentence. You then begin to link sentences together to make a point. Those sentences become the body of

your writing (paragraphs). Let there be interconnectedness in the thoughts you are putting

forward in your writing.

4. Write daily

It is a skill that grows by sharpening. If you allow a tool to lie dormant, it will become dull. It

becomes sharp as it is put into use. Start writing few words, paragraphs and grow from there.

5. Read wide & Research

As a writer, you must learn to read frequently and wide. Reading wide will expose you to adequate knowledge such that you don’t find it difficult to either express yourself or provide

content. It sorts of build your confidence level.

Make your research very well before writing on any subject.

6. Ensuring correctness of grammar (Basic principles of writing)

Grammar, punctuation and spelling

a. Use the right prepositions: For example: I prefer rice to beans. The right word

has been used.

b. Capital letters: It is wrong to use a capital letter in the middle of a sentence except

it is a proper noun. Capital letters are used at the beginning of every sentence.

c. Avoid Slangs or Short forms

d. Incorrect use of relative pronouns should be avoided (who, whom, which, that)

e. Concord: There must be an agreement between the subject and verb.

f. Use punctuation marks correctly.

g. Spell words correctly. Make use of some apps that can be of help. Grammarly is a

good one. Also, checking up words online for their correctness before making your

writings public is a good idea.

h. Right use of tenses

7. Remove complex words

8. Anticipate questions

9. Training

Get trained in the aspect of writing or niche you want to focus on. Writing sprees and challenges will go a long way to sharpen your writing skill.

10. Use a story

Storytelling is very important in building a business brand. People love stories and you can get more people to engage with your content if you regularly use it.

11. Follow a mentor

You will certainly find someone who is passionate about what you are hoping to do. Study their writings and gain inspiration from them. Study their content and learn from it. Stand on the shoulders of your mentor but bring in your creativity.

12. Editing

Editing and proofreading involves ensuring your writing achieves clarity and grammatical correctness. The Grammarly app can bring in a lot of help here.