This post was originally published at Novelicious.com and is now at WritingTipsOasis.com. WritingTipsOasis.com acquired Novelicious.com in June 2022.
1. Good grammar and punctuation matter.
If you’re Cormac McCarthy, you can play silly games with apostrophes; if you’re
not, follow the rules.
2. Fresh air and exercise are brilliant for clearing your head and curing cabin fever. I have some of my best ideas when I’m out running, and even better ones in the shower afterwards!
3. Talk to people about your writing, but don’t give away too much. I have a theory that ideas grow best in the dark – if they’re released from your head before they’re ready, they can wither and die.
4. Reward yourself for small steps. I used to have a cigarette after writing 500 words – now I’ve given up so I am going to have to find something to do instead!
5. The best way to get better at writing is to write more. There will be days when your work seems cringe-makingly awful, but keep at it.
Sophie Ranald is the author of It Would Be Wrong to Steal My Sister’s Boyfriend (Wouldn’t It?) which is out now!