25 Top Writing Tips
Published on 30th April 2015 by Diana Nadin1. Write about what you know – or you can find out about.
2. Enjoy your writing – don't look on it as a chore.
3. Read, read, read! Read as widely as possible.
4. Don't show others your work too early in the creative process.
5. Use all five senses – try to incorporate sight, sound, smell, touch and taste into your writing.
6. Always keep a notebook/recording device handy so that you don't forget ideas.
7. A picture is worth 1000 words. Keep your camera – or even your phone – handy at all times.
8. Always be inquisitive about what is going on around you – look for ideas in everything you do and everyone you talk to.
9. Try to write regularly – get into a routine.
10. Write at a time when you're feeling fresh and alert – it's the only way to produce your best work.
11. Find your own space what you are comfortable and can concentrate on your writing, undisturbed.
12. Plan your work – produce a logical outline before you start to write, whether it's fiction or non-fiction.
13. Make sure your research is thorough and accurate; so check your sources and ask experts.
14. You might have a good idea for an article or story, but never start writing until you have a market in mind.
15. Every article or story needs a beginning, a middle and an end or it will seem rambling and unstructured.
16. When you create characters they don't have to be based on reality but you must make your readers believe in them.
17. Dialogue isn't just for novels and short stories – it can add life to your articles too!
18. Don't keep going back and revising what you've written at the end of each paragraph or chapter. It'll slow you down and might demoralise you – so waiting till the end. 9. If you're feeling blocked and finding it hard to continue from where you left off, write anything – however unpolished - until your ideas start to flow again.
20. Be kind to yourself! Banish negative thoughts and believe in your ability to write.
21. Don't let rejection hurt you. It's your work that’s being rejected, not you personally, and there could be any number of reasons for this.
22. Always carefully tailor your writing to the publication you are targeting in style, length and subject matter.
23. Before sending work out check it repeatedly until you are sure that there are no mistakes and it's the very best you can do.
24. Find someone you can trust, and who is able to offer constructive criticism, to give you feedback on your work when it is complete.
25. Put yourself in a position where you are in contact with experienced writers, whether it's through a writing course, workshops or seminars.