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What’s the best way to improve on your writing skills ex. Essay

I normally don’t struggle to write, because once I have and idea it all goes fine. I just have trouble coming up with new and exciting things to write about when it comes to personal essays, college essays etc. if you know of any good way to improve my writing as far as vocabulary or formatting or just any tips in general please recommend something! (Specifically that has helped you become a better writer) #creative-writing #journalism #author #writing #general

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Sean’s Answer


1) Just ask someone. If you need a topic or subject, look to a friend for inspiration. Who knows? Maybe they’ll have a suggestion that sparks a creative wildfire. Maybe the answer’s been staring you in the face, but you’ve been too close to it the whole time. That outside perspective might be the corner piece you’ve needed to tie together your wild, creative thoughts.

 

2) Use a writing prompt. If you’ve ever had a creative writing class, odds are you have been given a prompt. A quick internet search provided myriad examples: “Explain Christmas to a young pine tree,” “only on Sundays,” or “describe a day in the life of a valet.” There are entire books devoted to providing you with ideas. Sure, many others will be looking at the same ideas. But the beauty of creativity is that you can take the universal and make it unique.

 

3) This one is my favorite: Just start writing. It doesn’t matter if you have a plan; it doesn’t matter what you write or type. Just start putting words down. Spit on spelling and pooh-pooh punctuation. Let the words flow without thinking. Don’t pause to find the most apt adjective, just put down whatever word comes next. This is stream of consciousness, and it feels good to dip your toes in it. Sure, the first 100 words that come to mind won’t be worth much as a whole. But you never know what you’ll find in that stream. If just one or two of those words — or even an entire phrase — ends up inspiring something greater, you’ve made progress. The human mind wants to be creative, even if it’s shy about it sometimes.


4) Read. As much as you can.

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Julie’s Answer

Hi Destiny, in addition to the great answers so far, also consider the still important art of writing letters to generate your creativity and also to feel good about it. Get resourceful with cards or paper using what you have already, as no need to spend money on fancy stationery. It is especially nice to write elderly family friends or relatives that may not use technology and would love to get a note from you in the real mail describing an interest and hobby, whatever you feel they may enjoy. Also ask them about themselves. If they are not able to write back, you could give them a brief follow-up call. Or you could surprise a close friend with a real note or letter. Write what you are comfortable sharing and I feel a good rule of thumb, on paper or via technology, is do not write about anything you would not be comfortable if shared with others.

Lastly, writing poetry in any format you like and with no intention to share with others, is another way to fuel creativity which may help you in other areas of writing.
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Preeti Jose’s Answer

Completely agree to what Sean says, but just to add on to that I would say read some of the blogs around topics you like to write about. The writing style of different writers would give you an idea of what style could you have. For me, it is the more you read, the more you would feel like writing your own cause you would have your own perspectives on those topics. Also if you want to develop a certain style of writing you can sign up for creative writing courses online.
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Sarah’s Answer

To add to the previous answers, READ YOUR WORK OUT LOUD. You can often catch things you might not while you're writing.
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David’s Answer

Actually I think that reading good non-fiction books can help you with your writing skills and vocabulary. If you see how professional writers that do it for a living write that should help you learn how to form sentences and write well. Also try and write about your real world experiences that mean something to you.

David recommends the following next steps:

Read good non-fiction books that are fairly sophisticated. That will help with vocabulary and writing style.
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s’s Answer

I concur with Sean.

I would add: if you've not already done so, read the pithy little (but wonderful) book: THE ELEMENTS OF STYLE, by Strunk and White.
You may want to read it more than once.
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Tirzah’s Answer

Destiny everyone gets stuck at some point and to generate new ideas for writing I find these things to be helpful:

1. Hurley Write - a website dedicated to writing
2. Change your scenery...go for a drive, read a blog, listen to a podcast, take a shower.
3. Go to your local library
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