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What techniques have you used to excel your writing?

I am currently in a National Writing Competition for k12 schools, and I would like to further excel my writing. I am already well above grade level, but I don't want to just sit here waiting for a challenge.

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Thank you comment icon Best of luck, Angel✨ Samina
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Paul’s Answer

I have always emphasized that becoming a good writer is primarily a matter of practice, discipline, and recharging your creative energy.

Some of my core advice for writers includes:

Just Write: There is no shortcut to improvement; it comes down to repetition and practice.

Be an Avid Reader: I truly believe all great writers are also dedicated readers. It helps to people to learn various writing formats, editing and other skills.

Read Your Own Work Closely: This includes self-editing for both substance and flawless technical mechanics like grammar and punctuation.

Trust an Editor: I recommend finding a trusted early-draft editor to provide a fresh perspective, noting that even the best writers need outside guidance.

Take Breaks: Taking a day or longer away from a piece before finishing it, can provide a way to act as your own "fresh set of eyes".

Manage Creative Energy: Writers should recognize when their "creative juices" are stuck and to prioritize resting, as much of the ideation process happens subconsciously.
Thank you comment icon Thank you, this is really helpful. Angel
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Vianne’s Answer

It’s really cool that you’re in a national writing competition. That already tells me you care about your craft and you’re not just coasting, which is honestly the biggest advantage you can have.

When I wanted to get better at writing and felt like I’d hit that “above grade level but now what?” phase, what helped most was reading like a writer instead of just a reader. When you find a piece you love, pause and ask yourself what exactly is working. Is it the opening? The voice? The way ideas flow? I’ll literally reread paragraphs and think, “Why does this sentence hit so hard?” and then try to use that technique in my own writing. You’re not copying, you’re learning how good writing is built.

Another thing that helped a lot was getting comfortable with real revision. Not just fixing commas, but actually reworking things. I’ll rewrite an opening three different ways, cut sections I’m attached to, or challenge myself to say the same idea in fewer words. It can be annoying, but that’s where your writing really levels up. Also, ask for feedback from people who will be honest. Not just “this is good,” but “this part dragged” or “I got confused here.” That kind of feedback is gold.

Lastly, don’t be afraid to experiment. Try writing in a voice or style that feels a little uncomfortable. If you usually write seriously, try something lighter. If you’re very structured, try something more creative. You don’t have to submit everything you write, but experimenting makes you more flexible and confident as a writer. If you keep treating writing like something you actively train, not just something you’re good at, you’ll keep improving instead of feeling stuck waiting for the next challenge
Thank you comment icon This makes sense. I seem to struggle a lot with my writing because I can't make it better, even if it's already in a good spot. This will really help me out, thank you! Angel
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Christy’s Answer

Awesome job with participating in the National Writing Competition!

Since you are already above grade level, you may want to explore Dual Enrollment options if your school offers the program. Dual Enrollment allows you to take college-level classes while still in high school, providing both academic challenge and college credit. Courses such as creative writing, composition, literature, or public speaking can help you sharpen your writing, communication, and critical-thinking skills. Taking these opportunities shows initiative, builds a strong academic profile, and helps you continue growing rather than feeling limited by your current grade level.

You can also mentor younger students who need help with their writing skills. Teaching others often strengthens your own understanding and confidence as a writer.
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Sam’s Answer

Great question, Angel! As a professional writer, I'm thrilled to hear that the next generation is actively looking for ways to improve their skills and hone their craft. Since you're already above grade level, you have a great opportunity to experiment and find creative ways to elevate your writing. Many of the previous answers here are spot on; repetition is key, exposure to great writing in a number of genres is also important, and getting early feedback from an editor you trust is also essential. One thing I would add to this discussion is that it is also really important to find ways to spend time with folks who look, speak, and think differently from you. It sounds like you've got a great skill set with the technical components of writing, but so many of the ways that we grow as people are driven by exposure to new experiences and ideas. Volunteer at a food bank, attend events at local bookstores and libraries, or find ways to help with a local charity. These are all things that expanded my point of view, diversified my vocabulary, and helped me see the world through a variety of viewpoints. As your writing reaches larger audiences, it is essential that you learn how to speak to as many different people in an efficient manner as you can. Depending on your desired endgame with writing, I would also recommend that you consider taking a rhetoric class at some point as well. Persuasive discourse has practical uses in nearly every professional discipline. Keep up the great writing!
Thank you comment icon Thank you for the advice, Sam. Angel
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Madeleine’s Answer

I've been writing professionally since 1988, mainly in journalism. The market is always changing, so be ready to adapt, whether you're writing journalism, fiction, or technical content. To succeed, embrace change and consider using AI in your writing. Just remember to double-check your work because AI isn't always accurate.

If you're in high school in 2028, consider entering the Voice of Democracy Contest by the VFW for a chance to win college money.

Writing can be enjoyable, but you need to be passionate if you want to excel.
Thank you comment icon Loved reading this, thanks! Angel
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Joanne’s Answer

Writing is a form of expression like music and painting or sculpting and should be handled with the same delicacy. One does not force the words, one invites them into existence. The atmosphere where the writing occurs should be cleared of sound so that the thoughts have space to consolidate into words. You may begin by taking your topic and writing what it means to you. After that reread your thoughts and expand with deeper explanations so that the reader fully understands each point made. This will fatten the observations within the writing. Aim to make yourself clear to the reader.
Thank you comment icon Thank you! Angel
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jose’s Answer

Write anything as early in the morning as possible. Go about your day. By the end of the day read what you wrote that morning and think how you'd write that better. Write it better before going to sleep. Next morning do the same thing.
Thank you comment icon Thank You! Angel
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Rich’s Answer

I kept a journal for years. I also have done free writing exercises and other writing exercises for different writing classes I’ve taken. I also have read about writing to force myself to think about how to approach different types of writing. Mostly, practice, practice, practice
Thank you comment icon Thanks for the advice, I will put it to good use! Angel
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Rebecca’s Answer

Thank you for your question. I am glad to know that you have interest in writing and excel at your level.
Below are my suggestions:
1. Attend advance writing classes to polish your skills
2. Read more famous novels to learn the techniques
3. Write more and seek the comments from the teachers. Practise makes perfect.
4. Start writing some novels if you feel confidence and take it to publishers to look for publishing opportunities
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Thank you comment icon Actually, I've never thought of taking advanced classes! When I was younger, I was always drawn to reading, so writing came naturally as well. I don't want just to ride along until I find something challenging, so an advanced class is probably my best shot. Thank you, God bless you! Angel
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Maria’s Answer

Read.

Read more.

And keep reading! Books, short stories, poetry. Everything.

I've been a professional writer my entire adult life, and in the last 10 years I've won a number of fiction writing awards. Reading will whet your writing skills because when you're exposed to good writing it naturally seeps into your own writing. It'll inspire you to look up words, study sentence structure, and improve your grammar. You'll learn turn of phrase, point of view, and much more. I highly encourage you to continue your education in this area, as well. Learn the rules before you break them! And don't use generative AI. It's the opposite of learning. Don't outsource your brain and your talent.

Good luck!
Thank you comment icon Thank you for sharing your perspective. Angel
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Odyll’s Answer

That's fantastic that you're in a writing competition! I think being exposed to different kinds of literature and writing styles will help you evolve in your writing. Beyond practicing writing, reading books, poetry, novels, etc. can expose you to different kinds of writing styles. That will help you be familiar with these styles and also allow you to learn and develop your own style. Whether it's short stories, poetry, or classical work, you can learn different ways of expression. And of course, you can even practice writing in those styles. In the past, during my studies, I myself delved into short story writing and poetry.
Best of luck to you!
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