I Want to Improve My Writing Skills

But How?

By: girlmcgirly

Written on March 28th, 2012

Maybe a class?

Maybe more practice?

I know I have always wanted to see myself as a writer and never really have.

A couple of things I wrote and just randomly posted on the net have been stolen and posted elsewhere as though that person wrote them...and while there is flattery in that somewhere, it also ****** you off and scares you to just put your words out there.

So, what are your suggestions on improving? I'd love to know.

By: girlmcgirly

Age: 41-45 , Female

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8 responses

justmeonline

I would strongly recommend you start with Dorothea Brande's "Becoming a Writer", because I seriously believe you are skilled enough already to publish. Her book looks at the issue of writing differently from any other book I've seen, and hers is in some ways much more useful than any other. Then again you may find "The Right to Write" quite helpful. And "How to Write a Damn Good Novel" is the best I've generally seen on novel-writing.

Creative writing group-work may or may not be useful. It can involve a fair bit of criticism, which may hamper creativity.

I also think The Writers and Artists Yearbook is more-or-less an essential resource.

Mar 30, 2012
2 likes
- girlmcgirly
  What a treasure trove of information! Thanks, JMO!
  
  Mar 30, 2012
  1 like
- justmeonline
  I found formally studying English Language and Literature really helped, because one has to practise a number of different tasks, including creative writing, and looking at how literature "works". My teacher did comment about my work, that if I was not already writing professionally, he thought I should strongly consider it. I just write for fun :)
  
  Mar 30, 2012
  1 like
Verwandlung

I agree with AAL, you do a wonderful job with what Ive read. Have you tried finding a writing group. You can just do a search in your area and see what you turn up. My problem is time. I work long hours and its hard for me to do things. It took me forever to find a yoga studio with weekend and early morning hours.

Mar 28, 2012
2 likes
- girlmcgirly
  Time is a precious enemy...if I were an alchemist my thoughts would turn from gold to only time. Thanks for your kind words and I should dig harder for a group of like minded people to "practice" with.
  
  Mar 29, 2012
  1 like
AllAboutLaffs

I have told you many times how much I admire your stories ..... and to improve your skills ... like any artistic craft ... practice is required ..... but so is guidance ..... so, yes .... a class or workshop .... or maybe a mentor ...

Mar 28, 2012
2 likes
- girlmcgirly
  A mentor is not an easy thing to find...but hell, classes aren't proving to be that easy, themselves.
  I do practice...I just post less. :)
  
  Mar 28, 2012
  1 like
girlmcgirly

it wasn't taken from this site but I have also posted it here. They're just words and I'll never be rich from them but it was...oddly unsettling.

Mar 28, 2012
1 like

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