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[H1267]How To Improve Writing Skills

by Ann Marosy, Ann

WRITER'S BLOCK

Most writers experience writer's block at some time or another. Most of the best authors and writing instructors say that the underlying problem is FEAR! Fear of criticism or rejection. Here are a few useful tips to overcome this:

1. Address your fears by acknowledging them. Like public speaking, writing is an avenue to allow the world to hear you. Know that fear is understandable and yet often unwarranted.

2. Find your reader. Picture your target reader in mind as you write - and write solely to him or her. Your target reader is someone eagerly awaiting your message.

3. Get some positive feedback on what you have already written. Find someone to give you constructive, yet positive, feedback on your writing. Positive reinforcement is always the best cure for fear of rejection. Steer clear of harsh criticism at this stage.

4. Meditate for 20 minutes before starting to write.

5. Take a shower. Yes, the negative icons of running water will awaken your imagination. Native American Indians used to stand under waterfalls when they needed guidance or answers to their problems. It works!

Whilst you're waiting for the writers block to clear, there are many constructive uses of the time you've allotted to writing. For example:

1. Do more research for your book or article.
2. Write something else - anything - but keep writing.
3. Write a short article to yourself: something that no-one else will see.
4. Read articles and books on writing.

PASSIVE VOICE vs. ACTIVE VOICE

An Editor will immediately differentiate a good writer from a poor one based on their extensive use of Passive Voice sentences. It is of utmost importance that all new writers learn the difference between Active and Passive Voice.

The basic sentence structure is made up of Subject and Predicate. The Subject dictates the Active Voice in a sentence. The Predicate refers to the words or phrases (including the verb) that are governed by the verb. For example: The cat sat on the mat. 'The cat' is the Subject and 'sat on the mat' is the Predicate.

If you write "The mat was sat on by the cat", it sounds clumsy; however, novice writers fall victim to this error without ever noticing. This is called Passive Voice. Active Voice always begins with the Subject.

Read books written by great writers and notice how they all write in Active Voice. Now go back to your own writing and see if you can spot the difference.

If you have an advanced Spelling and Grammar function in your word processor, turn on the 'Passive Voice' tool and then run your document through the grammar check.

Most new writers are amazed at how many of their sentences are written in Passive Voice. By learning to write in Active Voice, your whole writing will evolve to a professional level.

JOIN A GROUP OR ASSOCIATION

Start with your local or national Society of Authors. Membership will usually provide lots of useful resources, writing competitions to enter, lists of agents, manuscript appraisers, and much more.

If you are not a published author, many offer associate or provisional membership to unpublished or novice writers.

Enjoy writing. Treat it as one of life's most generous gifts. There are many people out there waiting to read what you know.

Happy writing.

First thing first, explore the question. You must know the areas that you wish to touch in the essay. For brilliant essay writing, a writer should have clear of how he will go about the essay.
To become a good at essay writing you will need to make your reading and thinking both very strong. Though, you may find most of the material on the internet to help you with your essays writing, frequent visits to the library are equally fruitful.
It is always suggested that essays writing should not be done without proper planning. People who try to do unplanned essay writing normally fall in an unseen trap that has no way out, round or through. Make sure that you have taken necessary notes and made a draft before beginning final essay writing. Random and eleventh hour essay writing always leaves you with limited options.
Even during the initial draft keep proofreading. It is the most important aspect of essays writing to check and recheck the draft at every stage. Essay writing is an art and vigilant eye lets you make your work the piece of art. Once you have written the first draft your essay, read it thoroughly. There is always a room for improvement in every draft you write. For better essay writing always check each of your draft thoroughly.

There should be a consistency in your essays writing. From tenses to noun arrangement, everything should be synchronized. Logic is the most important aspect. Make sure the essay writing reflects the logical aspect of your thinking. Last but not the least Essay writing becomes easier if you stay precise. Thus, try to stay precise.

Article Source : appropriate writing skills

About Author

Both Ann Marosy & Harris Jhosta are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.

Ann Marosy has sinced written about articles on various topics from Personal Finance, Medicine and Personal Finance. Ann Marosy is an author, consultant, and former university lecturer. She was formally a Financial Controller of a Fortune 500 Company, and Finalist of SA Executive Woman of the Year. Ann is the author of 'The Money Program' book series, which includes man. Ann Marosy's top article generates over 5400 views. to your Favourites.

Harris Jhosta has sinced written about articles on various topics from Education Toys, self improvement and motivation and Online College. Harris Jhosta is well known in the education field. Harris Jhosta wrote many articles to provide help in education. More tips and tricks. Harris Jhosta's top article generates over 74000 views. to your Favourites.