Type “writing tips” into Google, and you’ll find plenty. More than you can probably digest in a single sitting, and certainly more than you need to get started.
So let’s pare down and focus on just a few. After all, cutting out unnecessary words is often one of the items that shows up on ‘tip lists’ like this.
1. Write every day.
People say this all the time, but that’s because it’s effective. To be a writer, to better your skills as a writer, you need to do just that–write. I love the Maya Angelou quote that’s #13 on this Buzzfeed list, but a few others on that same list say basically the same thing. And keep in mind that the “every day” thing is an idea. If you skip a day–or two, or five–it’s important not to beat yourself up about it. Don’t overthink things, don’t judge. Just sit down, pick up that pen, and start writing again.
2. Don’t be precious.
A tip that often gets passed around among writers is “kill your darlings,” a phrase attributed to William Faulkner or Sir Arthur Quiller-Couch, depending on who you ask. What I’m saying is basically the same idea. The issue is that we writers–novice or experienced–can get attached to certain words and phrases that we’ve come up with. However, sometimes, as the writing moves forward, those early favorites may not remain as useful or relevant to where your writing–be it story, essay, book review, or even email–is heading. Still, we hang onto that favorite word or phrase, even as it becomes nothing more than fancy dressing. It’s human nature–we like things, and we don’t want to let those nice things go. But really, when you take a moment and step back, the truth is that what those things have become is dead weight. And at a certain point, we need to let those things go.
3. Show, don’t tell.
This is another overused line, but there’s real value in these words. And it can be a huge help especially to new writers–I know it helped me tremendously when I started. The idea is, don’t just explain to your readers what you’re hoping or trying to get across; instead, focus on the details. And these details are everywhere. The light that is entering the room through a dirty window, for instance; the color of the tablecloth; the stain on the man’s shirt; the look on the woman’s face. Describing a scene through the details like this can go a long way toward getting your point across. And it will feel much more compelling–and natural–to your readers.