Tips on Improving Your Writing Skills

By Nicole Powell

Writing can be described as an art; some people will master it, while others struggle to put a well structured sentence together. However, with the right mindset and practice you can certainly improve your writing. There are many ways in which you can progress; we will examine three (3) of the most important aspects of writing.

In order for you to write professionally you will have to ensure that you read a lot. Reading is more than just recognizing or calling words. A good reader will read widely; to expand both knowledge and skill. Reading does not take place until you comprehend what you have read.

Therefore it is very important for you to pay attention to new words and also to find out their meanings. You must never pass a word without looking up its meaning. Reading widely will certainly improve spelling, vocabulary and grammar.

Another crucial factor to take into consideration is the use of English. For you to become a fine writer your grammar must be excellent. In addition you must know the eight parts of speech and also the role each play in the formation of sentences. Further, the proper use of punctuation marks is also necessary in creating clear and grammatically correct sentences. Always remember to make the most of your grammar check software when working from your computers.

Strive to present your readers with rich, fresh and quality content. It is also critical to bear in mind the purpose for writing, your content must be appropriate and appeal to your target group. From time to time you should remind your self of "why" and "who" you are writing for. It is also necessary for you to proof read your work, or have someone re-read it.

You cannot be lazy, if you are going to master the art of writing, you have to practice. Your aim should be to write something everyday, and overtime you will see improvements in your writing.

Nicole Powell, www.english-bizniz.com

For more information on how to fine tune your writing go to http://www.english-bizniz.com

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Is Writing Enough?

By Hope Wilbanks

Have you ever reached a point where you felt like you couldn't write another word? That's where I've been for about 2-3 weeks now. I've barely written at all. Every word I do write is painstakingly squeaked out, after which I almost run away and hide from the laptop.

As a writer, this isn't good. Writing is my life. And yet, I feel like it's eluding me at this very moment.

I network and chat with enough writers to know that I'm not alone in this. Some writers call this writer's block. I've always preferred not to call it a "block" because that seems so cold and bleak. But that's precisely how I feel right now, so perhaps "block" is the best word after all.

So what is a writer to do at this point? Some writers really do run away from writing altogether. They throw away their notebooks and pens and swear off writing forever. This isn't the answer.

Is writing enough? Only you can answer that question. Maybe you've reached a pivotal point in your life where writing isn't enough. Maybe it's time to step up and reach out for another life dream. But if writing is enough for you, and you just need a break, then take one.

I just had a thought. If you know writing is enough for you, but you feel drained and can't write, romance the writing again. Here are some ideas for you to try:

Read a book in a genre you wouldn't normally choose. I love self-help books. If you see me in the library or a bookstore, you'll most likely find me perusing the self-help section. When I was younger, I read contemporary Christian romance books. I would devour a book in as little as two hours, uninterrupted.

Reading from the same genre all the time almost makes you zone out until every book begins to read the same to you. Pick up a book in a genre totally opposite of what you'd normally read. If you like mysteries, try a book on self-improvement. If you enjoy motivational books, read a historical fiction.

Only write in your journal. If you don't already keep a journal by hand, you don't know what you're missing. Writing on the computer makes writing fast, which is why you should keep an offline journal. Writing by hands slows you down. It slows down your hand, but it also slows down your mind and thought process. Try writing just three pages a day, by hand.

Ask yourself this question: Why do I write? Sometimes you get lost in the words until you lose sight of the core reason for the writing. What was it that drew you to writing in the beginning? Why did you enjoy writing? How did it make you feel? Why was it so meaningful? Get back to the basics and remember how you used to feel about writing.

Ask yourself this question: What will happen if I don't write anymore. Close your eyes and imagine your world a place where writing is no more. Maybe you'd pursue another dream career. Perhaps you'd spend more time with your family. Maybe the stress that constantly nags at you would suddenly be removed. Imagine your life without writing. If you imagine it to be a better place, then maybe you should listen to your heart and say good-bye to writing. But if you feel a deep, empty spot where the writing once was, you probably just need a break for a bit.

You can get more writing tips at http://www.hopewrites.com Don't forget to subscribe to the free newsletter: http://www.hopewrites.com/free-newsletter/ to get even more terrific blogging and writing tips from Hope.

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