3 Simple Tips for Beginning Writers by Number 3

I have three suggestions below that will help you improve your basic writing skills. Utilize these simple writing tips and you will quickly notice improvement in your craft.


Read

If you fancy the idea of writing, indulge in reading too. See what you like about a particular author's style or a literary genre's. Look at a story from a reader's point of view to help you write from a writer's.

Try to read thirty minutes a day. Think about what you're reading. If that interferes with your enjoyment, first read a chapter to enjoy. Then go back and skim the chapter, noting how the author deals with things like structure, rhythm...

And reading the type of story that you are planning to write, may also help.


Upgrade

If you need to upgrade your vocabulary or straighten your grammar, start using the dictionary and get a good grammar book. All writers need a good handle of the words they use.

I'm not expert but I check the dictionary whenever I run into a word I don't know. And that's not just with big, rare words but with words like "glowering" or "fervently" that are very commonly used. These are words that I understand when used in context but would not know reading the word alone.

Your vocabulary will start expanding right away.

I also skim the dictionary for common words I don't know which helps a lot but requires more memorization.

And for your grammar, you should start to get a good gist of it just by reading. But for sticky ones like when to use a semi-colon, find one good grammar book and stick with it. You don't need a dozen. Learn everything inside one and you're good to go.

Improving your grammar and vocab. will definitely help you and practically a "must" so start reading up.


Write Like You're On Fire

Start writing now. Don't wait till you memorize the whole dictionary or have read all the classics of your favorite literary genre. Write. And do it whenever you can.

Not only will you notice your improvements from reading more and updating your vocab./grammar, you'll start to have a feel for your writing style. You'll start to "see" what's working and what does not.

Become an amateur writer now, don't wait.


A Few More Tips

Make the first three beginning writing tips part of your daily life. When you're ready, work on these writing tips below. Don't rush or feel overwhelmed, enjoy it.

* Think about your audience when writing. Anticipate their reactions.
* Don't write to show off, write to entertain. Be careful of putting in big words and complex sentences when short and simple works better with your audience.
* Read other works which will help you see how different genres use varying methods and styles, very interesting.
* Let a friend or family member see your work. Ask them to tell you one thing that bothered them the most and one thing that they hope to see more.
* Keep a notebook/paper and pencil with you. Write down ideas when you have them. Don't wait till you get home or "have time".

About the Author

Number 3 is a amateur writer that does not hesitate to share and learn how to write better. Her site Hip Ideas for Children Stories offers story ideas and topics to inspire creative writing.