Annoyingly enough, even we writers have a difficult time trying to express ourselves when we write them down. Sure, sometimes we actually write down everything perfectly like a boss, but let’s be honest, that is more a miracle on our part. Most of the time, we surprise ourselves when we read something decent and then find out it was actually made by us. This has happened to me so many times it stopped being funny. It would be nice to have that kind magic all the time, you know? To be able to convey your thoughts into a document all the time.
How do you do that?
Plan it
Things like making an outline or making a brief summary of what you want to write down can do a long way. Doing such will do wonders in organising one’s thoughts, you see. At least you’ll get an idea on how you want your essay, article or story to go down.
Write like you talk
There are some writers who feel comfortable writing in the way they usually talk. It makes writing a lot easier for them and everything just comes natural when you get down to it.
Mind tone
Yes, grammar and spelling has to be there, of course. But the tone of your words has to also match what you write. You are supposed to leave an impression. Some long-time readers can detect how a story or an article will go based on how you write the first sentence or paragraph.
Use imagery
Use your ability to describe a place or a person. That’s what we are supposedly good at, right? So if anything else, we should have mastered the art of DESCRIBING already. Paint a picture, if you will.
Answer questions
Put yourself in the readers’ shoes. Don’t leave the reader hanging for too long and actually write what they want and need to know down. If it’s a story you are writing, make sure to actually make the plot clear once you are done putting down all the suspense.
Write dialogue
Use simple words when you are writing dialogue. Convey emotion and don’t overdo it by writing down big words and describing every damn sentence with seventy-three haikus and an excerpt from Shakespeare’s litanies. You want to entertain your readers, not bore them to death, hell and back.
Share inner thoughts and voices
Feelings are sometimes better than concrete ideas, so share that. If you are writing articles, put in a bit of your own thoughts in the matter.
Change perspectives
Your thoughts can change and have a refresher if you look and write things from a different perspective. Changes of pace will do wonders for inspiration too. It keeps things interesting when you write.
Practice
You won’t get anywhere without practicing. Whether you write or play games for a living, practicing is key.
Edit a billion times
Until you are contented, re-read and edit the bejesus out of it.
