I think most people struggle with writing because of two reasons: 1) It is complex; and 2) because writing is complex, it is boring. Understanding one’s own thoughts is not easy, let alone putting thoughts into words articulately. So I cannot blame people for disliking the activity. Writing is hard and takes patience. Take it from me — my high-school humanities teacher, rather than “teaching” me, suggested I buy an actual book on writing to better understand my once extremely “fluffy” style. The teacher’s suggestion was a shot in the arm; I loved the activity, but I had no real guidance on how to improve my skills.

 

Thank you, college.

 

Since writing takes work, I was hopeful that college would provide me the tools to practice and improve. College did not disappoint. In my first year alone, I had two English professors who broke the language down to me in a new light. The art of writing immediately opened up for me, and each year thereafter, I focused on the craft’s many intricacies (e.g., sentence structure, mechanics, vocabulary, etc.).

 

Becoming a great writer does not happen over night or even in a year; but significant individual improvements can be enjoyed through following these basic steps:

 

1)      Don’t think, just write

2)      Think, then structure your writing

3)      Read each sentence aloud

4)      Reread your writing several times.

 

The first step is, to this day, the most helpful I have ever learned. An immediate turnoff of writing is the difficulty just starting. That is why it is best to “don’t think, just write” when beginning any sort writing assignment. Do not get bogged down on an essay question or the particular subject matter — just jot your thoughts down freely. You will be amazed how much this helps.

 

Step 2 entails some “thought.” But do not be scared — it is a lot easier to think once content is down on paper. From here, give your subject matter thought, and then organize your content so it flows smoothly and conveys your message.

 

“Read each sentence aloud,” or Step 3, is easy to do, but easy to overlook. When I read each sentence aloud, my sound and unsound sentences are easily deciphered. Our chief form of communication is speaking, so ensure your writing can be understood when spoken. Makes sense, right?

 

The final step is a tip I cannot emphasize enough. I always reread my material, and you will be surprised by the errors caught on the third or fourth reread. Now, this does not mean you should be a perfectionist. But it does not hurt striving to be one. If you take pride in how you articulate orally, then you should take pride in how you articulate in writing.

 

These steps may sound basic, but writing is about improving the basics constantly. For me, the process started five years ago and will continue until I can no longer think properly. Like learning, writing is a never-ending process and a lifelong activity. Enjoy, embrace this beautiful craft.