Seven Ways to Sharpen Your Writing Skills

Practical Tips for Writers at Any Stage of Their Journey

I’ve been a writer for as long as I can recall. I remember jotting down weird and funny lines, making notes, and imagining stories as early as the first grade. In later years, I wrote short stories, made comic books for a while (I was a crappy cartoonist), and dreamed one day of being a novelist. I’d read crazy stuff in Rolling Stone from Hunter S. Thompson, for instance, that made me imagine what kind of writing life that would be (crazy, no doubt).

I never thought I was a great writer and often didn’t think I was that good, but it amused and engaged me, and I was pretty sure I wasn’t horrible. In my 20s and 30s, I’d submit short essays to local publications and have a few published, although seeing my name in print, as cool as it was, didn’t seem to be the driving force I thought it might be. Especially when the pay was minimal, short essays weren’t my thing.

I wrote the bones of a novel in my 30s that still exists. I pulled the faded, typewritten pages from a manila folder not too long ago and reread several of the pages. It wasn’t half-bad, at least as far as reading the words on the page went. But I stopped working on the novel and never returned to it because I didn’t have a clue what I was doing. I knew nothing about a character's arc, the acts of the book, making your way through the ‘middle muddle’, and everything else that makes for a great novel. I’ve written about that journey elsewhere on this Substack, so I’ll leave that alone for now.

But I kept writing. Even if it wasn’t fiction, I continued to put hundreds and thousands of words down on a screen. I blogged for over a decade about tradeshow marketing because it was my business starting in 2002, and one lesson I learned is that when you blog about something, you are forced to learn more about it.

Over those decades of writing, my aims were twofold: 1) I wanted to put words on paper because it was something I needed to do, and 2) I wanted to keep getting better, even if that meant only by minimal degrees.

Writing is a craft that evolves over time, and like any other skill, it requires constant attention and practice to improve. Whether you're a seasoned author or just starting, refining your writing skills is essential for crafting compelling prose.

Here are seven ways I think you can sharpen your writing skills:

1. Read Widely and Often

Reading is one of the most powerful tools a writer can use to improve their craft. By exposing yourself to various writing styles, genres, and authors, you can better understand different narrative techniques and expand your vocabulary. The more you read, the more you’ll notice the subtleties of language and storytelling that make great writing. So, immerse yourself in diverse literature to inspire and inform your writing. While I like mysteries and suspense, I try to read novels and nonfiction from many different genres. For example, I recently read Vince Wetzel’s “Lose Yourself,” a fun tale about a baseball player’s attempt to break Ted Williams’ .400 season batting average. The book was entertaining and out of my normal channels. I was glad I read it.

2. Write Regularly

Like I said, I’ve been putting words on paper or on a screen for decades. Writing, like any skill, improves with regular practice. Setting aside time each day to write, even if it’s just a few paragraphs, helps maintain momentum and sharpens technique. Consistency is key when working on a novel, a blog post, or a personal journal. Regular writing keeps your ideas flowing and your skills honed, making it easier to confidently tackle larger projects.

3. Seek Feedback and Critique

This is probably the hardest part for me. I don’t hang out in a writer’s group, I don’t know many writers, and I have difficulty asking people to read my work. A few years ago, I managed to enlist a half-dozen people to read a draft of a novel I was working on and received much helpful feedback. Some notes were fairly bland (keep it up, I really liked it!), but others gave many details about things they read and made solid suggestions based on their initial reading. Constructive criticism is invaluable for any writer. Seeking feedback from peers, mentors, or writing groups provides insight into areas that need improvement and helps you see your work from a reader’s perspective. While it can be tough to hear criticism, it’s essential for growth. Embrace feedback as a tool to refine your work and learn from the strengths and weaknesses that others perceive in your writing.

Have you read these?

4. Revise Ruthlessly

I’m getting much better at being ruthless in my editing. I didn’t used to be that way, but I’ve learned that removing pieces that don’t belong is not hard. Often, the hardest thing is to determine what doesn’t belong! The first draft is just the beginning. Editing and revising are crucial steps in the writing process. Writers should be willing to cut unnecessary words, restructure sentences, and refine their prose to improve clarity and impact. A well-edited piece is often the result of multiple revisions, where every sentence is scrutinized for its contribution to the overall message. Don’t be afraid to make significant changes; your writing will improve. In the first draft of the first Jia Peach novel, I’d written a scene that I loved: Peck, one of the main supporting characters, awakens in his luxurious mountain home after a drunken night, discovers a young woman asleep in his bed, tries to remember how she got there, and so on, and slowly goes through his morning routine of yoga and caffeine. After another revision or two, I realized the scene didn’t belong. It wasn’t anything new, and while it gave insight into the character, in my view, it wasn’t necessary to the story, so I dumped it.

5. Experiment with Different Genres and Styles

Experimentation can be a powerful way to break out of your comfort zone and discover new aspects of your writing style. Trying different genres or writing styles challenges you to think creatively and adapt to new narrative forms. Whether poetry, short stories, or creative nonfiction, stepping into unfamiliar territory can reveal strengths and interests you didn’t know you had, ultimately enriching your writing.

6. Engage in Writing Prompts and Exercises

Writing prompts and exercises stimulate creativity and overcome writer’s block. They push you to think outside the box and explore new ideas you might not have considered otherwise. Whether it’s a random word prompt, a thematic challenge, or a timed writing session, these exercises can help you generate new material, stretch your imagination, and keep your writing fresh.

7. Read Aloud

One of the most effective ways to catch issues in your writing is to read it aloud. Hearing your words gives you a different perspective and helps you notice awkward phrasing, repetitive language, or pacing issues that might not be as obvious when reading silently. Reading aloud forces you to slow down and engage with your text more intentionally, making it easier to identify areas for improvement.

As I continue this journey of putting words on paper, I’m reminded that writing, like any craft, is a lifelong process of learning and refining. Whether you’re just starting out or are a seasoned writer, there’s always room to grow. Embrace the process, enjoy the journey, and remember—every word you write brings you one step closer to mastering your craft. Keep writing, keep experimenting, and most importantly, keep finding joy in the art of storytelling.