What are some things you can do to improve your writing ability.

1. 70

   Nspeelposted 13 years ago

   What are some things you can do to improve your writing ability.
   
   What I mean is ways to improve grammar, punctuation, spelling, exc. What do you do to improve yourself and how does that help you?

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2. 0

   Ghost32posted 13 years ago

   Practice.
   
   Spelling:  I don't use SpellCheck, largely because I like using a lot of made-up words and don't appreciate being reminded of what the computer program considers to be my "mistakes".  Plus, my spelling has been good for a long time.
   
   However, whenever there's the slightest doubt in my mind about the spelling of a word, I Google it.  Did that just last night, in fact.  "Darkeyed" looked "off" to me when I typed it.  What was the accepted format?  Hyphenated?  Two separate words?
   
   Google said I had it right in the first place, but the peace of mind was worth the brief time it took to run a simple search and scan the first page of results.

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3. 60

   Hestia DeVotoposted 13 years ago

   Take writing classes.  Getting professional guidance and group feedback works so much better than thinking you can just teach yourself. 
   
   And read.  A lot.  And make sure you read a wide variety of things too, not just a single favorite author, genre or subject matter.
   
   “If you don't have time to read, you don't have the time (or the tools) to write. Simple as that.”  ? Stephen King

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4. 72

   dahoglundposted 13 years ago

   I am of the opinion that writing is the best way to improve writing. One can also do various exercises to improve vocabulary, although it is usually best to stick to simple words.
   Tghe second thing to do is read.Read with a consciousness of understanding what the author is doing. be aware of their plot gimmicks. see how they develope characters. Absorb their vocabulary.
   Character study is also good. Observe people in various places. If you can try to observe such things as what they wear, are they tall or short,heavy or slim. do they look happy of sad.
   Call on your senses. See what a river of stream looks like, maybe describe it. Put your hand in the water-is it warm or cold. try to incorporate all your senses,sight ,smell, feel etc.
   I don't do all these things, but I should.

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5. 0

   YSPposted 13 years ago

   You can practice writing everyday. Keep a diary and even take a writing class. Also reading books and editing constantly will help. Reading out loud what you write is a useful technique.

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6. 76

   Hunbbel Meerposted 13 years ago

   I stopped here to answer your question, but I think dahoglund has answered it better than I would have done. But to summarise:
   
   1. Be open to knowledge
   2. Read with an eye of a writer
   3. Try to understand what the other writer is trying to show what is deep hidden into the rumble of words (this will increase your overall writing skills and creativity)
   4. Learn some basic English Grammar Rules
   5. Learn the differences between some confusing words like accept vs. except, affect vs. effect (I have several hubs on this, you can check them out)
   6. Do some exercises in your spare time. This will be a learning process and gradually you will master it.
   7. Write! Don't forget this point.
   
   Happy Hubbing! Have a good day.

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7. 58

   cmdwebposted 13 years ago

   In my opinion, the best thing you can do is to read, read and read some more. Make sure you what you read is of good quality. Look to some classic books by great authors. If you read enough, you'll find improvement by osmosis.
   Vary the style of writer that you read and, as dahoglund also says, be conscious of the writer's style, approach and craft.
   Reading also improves your spelling, again by osmosis if you read enough.

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8. 83

   Becky Katzposted 13 years ago

   I 'borrow' somebody's work, copy, and paste it into my word processing program. Then I correct it, as an editor would. I fix the grammar problems, spelling problems, and run-on sentences. If you use this method, make sure you delete it when you are done 'using' it. It gives me practice in doing it the correct way.
   I also took an English Grammar and Composition class in college last year. That gave me the tools to know the difference between correct and incorrect.

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9. 0

   VeronicaInspiresposted 12 years ago

   Read. Write. Read. Write. Read. Write.
   
   Dictionary.com and GrammarGirl.com are great go-to resources.
   
   The Pocket Wadsworth Handbook is a book suggested by industry professionals.
   
   Also try, The Art of Styling Sentences, On Writing, and Self-Editing for Fiction Writers.
   
   I keep close, Merriam-Webster's Concise Handbook for Writers, which I LOVE!!! It has all the tips and tricks condensed into a pocket-size guide!
   
   But, as with anything, the more you practice, the more you perfect.

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