Are writers born or are they made? Well, if you have just started writing and you think your work is mediocre, wait! Do not give up on your writing. Even great writers have undergone what you are undergoing. They also would have felt at some point in their lives that their writing is awful. But it is this self-criticism and revision that makes them excel in what they write. So are great writers born or made? It is true that some people are equipped to write well but that doesn’t mean that all such people will evolve into great writers. We may or may not have the knack to write. But with patience and discipline, you can cultivate the art of writing.
The interest to write can begin right at a very young age. Children may draw something and narrate something to substantiate their drawings. Many of us assume that writing is an innate talent, which to a certain extent is true. We think of talent as something that you either have or don’t have. It is easier to be a writer if you have gift of writing. But this gift of writing can also be cultivated with steadfast determination and practice. It is not too difficult to nurture the art of writing. When we can learn to play musical instruments or sports, why can’t we improve our writing skills?
So how do you become a writer? Here are a few tips that may help you.
Read as much as possible
Read, read and read is one advice that all great writers suggest. You need imagination to write. If you want to increase your imagination, then you should read as much as you can. Try reading about different subjects continuously. The more you read, the better will be your imagination. Stephen King, the author of contemporary horror and supernatural fiction, takes a book with him everywhere. Such is his dedication towards reading. As you read more, you will also refine your own writing.
Write for yourself
To become a writer, you should write so that you feel happy; with happiness comes a sense of contentment. When writing brings joy to you, then you will inevitably continue writing. To continue the writing flow, try writing on a subject that interests you the most. When you write about something you care about, it will reflect in your writing. Your interest in a certain subject will help you to bring in your unique style to your writing.
Use the art of description
The important part of writing is enabling your readers to visualize what you want them to experience by using the right kind of words. If you want to excel in the art of description, then you should master the art of writing clearly. Use images and keep your vocabulary simple so that your reader stays tuned to your writing.
Write every day
Once you start writing, try to continue writing. Write every day. When you write every day, you will maintain your flow of writing. Once you start slowing down, you may lose your grip on your plot and characters. The excitement to write also reduces when you stop writing.
Image credit: David Turnbull on flickr and reproduced under Creative Commons 2.0
I’m Smitha Abraham. I love traveling in my flights of imagination and use these flights to craft short stories and poetry. I am a budding writer from India. My passions are reading, creative writing, listening to music, learning new languages, meeting new people, getting acquainted with different cultures and traveling. Authors like Isabel Allende, Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Carlos Ruiz Zafón, genres like magic realism, historical romance, and writing styles that are imaginative and flow effortlessly fascinate me. I love to unwind with a book curled up on a sofa or by gazing at the stars by the sea shore. I am a nature lover and spending time admiring the sunset and sunrise is relaxing for me.