5 Ways to Improve Your Writing
One of the most frequent questions I receive is, “how can I become a better writer?” Let me tell you, my path to becoming the author I am today was not simple, fast or easy. I’ve learned a lot of lessons along the way, and I’d like to share a few of them with you here.
Learn how to be a storyteller AND a writer
I’ve often said there are storytellers and there are writers, but rarely is someone both to begin with. A storyteller is someone who is brimming with stories. They feel as though they’ll burst if they don’t find a way to get their stories out. I’m a natural born storyteller. I have so many characters and stories swirling around inside, I doubt I’ll ever be able to pen them all. A writer is someone who possesses the skill to beautifully articulate anything. A writer can take a drab, boring idea and breathe color, life, and poetry into it nearly effortlessly. Both skills are needed to be a great writer, but most people must dedicate a significant amount of time and energy to developing the skill they lack.
Learn how to swallow rejection and move on
Sharing your writing can be an altogether terrifying experience. What you’ve written is a reflection of yourself, and therefore when someone reacts negatively, it’s hard not to feel that they have not only rejected your work but also rejected you. As is the case with all kinds of artists, writers must believe in themselves and never give up. When I was a struggling writer, I used to receive rejection letters so fast they’d nearly hit me in the back of the head on my way home from the post office. I had to learn to receive rejection and move on. Never give up. Sometimes the editor writing the rejection letter would take the time to offer constructive criticism, which I took to heart and it made my writing and story better. Be willing to listen to criticism and learn from it. You want your writing to be the best it can be.
Before you become a writer, you must be a reader
One of the most effective ways to improve your writing is to read. A LOT. A good writer should read books of all different genres and styles. Read things that challenge you, read bestselling authors and authors you’ve never heard of. As you absorb others’ work, your grasp and appreciation of language will evolve and grow, likely without realizing it’s happening.
Stick to a schedule
One of the most difficult parts of being a writer is motivating yourself to finish your work on time. I set a strict schedule for myself. I am in my office each morning at the same time and I set a required amount of pages to write each day. Without a schedule to guide you, it can become far too easy to push your writing aside, allow insecurity and writer’s block to rule the day and never get any writing done.
Establish a support system
Without my husband Wayne’s sweet words to me more than 30 years ago, “write, Debbie, write…” I would likely not be a published author today. He believed in me and supported me through all the rejection letters, and years of what felt like fruitless effort. As you pursue writing, rally a support system around yourself. Entrust a small group of people with your dreams, ask them to hold you accountable and most of all, to remind you of why you’re pursuing writing when you feel like giving up.
March 22nd, 2016 at 4:26 am
I had a repairman at my home in Fort Pierce who noticed one of your books amongst my usual pile. He said, “I just finished some work at Debbie Maccomber’s condo.. She’s the lady who wrote that book there”. At that time you were a new author for me, I just finished watching the interview you did on Between the Covers, and I was amazed but not surprised about your struggles as a young student with dyslexia! My grandson has also struggled. however; fortunately his parents have been able to supply him with all the special help he has needed. Now 15, he excels in a private school. Interestingly, when you mentioned that you tell children who are dyslexic, they will find themselves excelling in other ways, I have noticed my Grandson is a story teller also. He seems to exist deeper into the moment than others his age. And my heart Sings! I’m 72 and have let life get in the way of my own writing Listening to you tonight about how you focus on and enjoy what you do was extremely helpful for me. Thank You I’m angry that I missed the luncheon you spoke at last month. Hopefully you are enjoying our cooler weather and may your stories keep flowing,
Joanne Collett
March 22nd, 2016 at 2:47 pm
Years ago, my brother, who writes, said to me, “Do yourself a favor, Elaine, get a notebook.” I took his advice and have had several poems published.
March 22nd, 2016 at 5:31 pm
Sticking to a schedule is the hardest for me. I find how much easier it is to write when I have self-imposed deadlines and set writing that I should get done. Thanks for the post!
March 22nd, 2016 at 7:43 pm
thank you for the wonderful words of wisdom
March 22nd, 2016 at 9:23 pm
Love your books Debbie
March 22nd, 2016 at 10:53 pm
Wasn’t a reader but wanted to write.
We had bought a new home and furniture
In 1992. I bought a pretty book to lay on
my bedside table. I picked it up one evening
and began reading. I haven’t stopped since.
Also, I want to attend one of your events.
Thanks for these tips!
March 23rd, 2016 at 1:42 am
Dear Debbie Macomber, Debbie Macomber is an inspiration and a blessing! Love your book about “God’s Guest List”! I have given several of those to friends. “Knit Together” is another of your books that I reread, and I have given several copies of that great text away, as well. Choosing words to focus on and to amplify in life and/or in writing is another topic you have highlighted in a manner that has motivated and inspired so many of your readers to make progress in their writing, reading and life walk. I thank God upon every remembrance of you; Debbie Macomber! You have brightened my life and The Way. Blessings on your continued success!
March 23rd, 2016 at 2:27 pm
Hi Debbie,
Thank you for your insight. I would like to take a class in writing. What would you suggest? I have some ideas floating around in my head, but I want to do them justice when I put them on paper. I have never written anything before, but am considering retiring shortly and writing sounds like a good idea at this point in my life.
Thanks,
Faye
March 25th, 2016 at 2:41 am
Wow! Your post really hit home with me! Like you, I have so many characters and stories in my head that it is a very crowded place! I love what you said about the importance of keeping to a schedule. When I do, my productivity is always so much better!
April 1st, 2016 at 2:42 am
Thank you for your wise words! What advice do you have for the writer who has now finished and revised her book (to within an inch of its life!) and now has an opportunity to pitch it at a conference? I know my book is good, but I worry that I will not be able to distill its essence into an effective pitch.