10 Steps to Become a Better Writer

Do you want to know how to become a better writer in high school and later in college? Whether you’re writing essays for US university applications or simply hoping to boost your English grade, it pays off to improve your writing skills.

When I share that I am a writer, many reply, “I wish I could write, but I’ve never been good at it.” Whether they want to write stories, scripts, poetry, essays, or articles, my response is always the same: “Well, have you practiced your writing?”

1. Exercising the Mind Is How to Become a Better Writer

So much of our understanding of writing is built on a myth that some of us are just good at it and others aren’t. But when you think about it, would a gymnast ever attempt a double twist in midair without first learning how to do a backflip? Would you enter a competition for the 100-meter dash without ever practicing? (Can you tell I’ve been watching the Olympics?) Like most skills, good writing requires consistent, dedicated practice. 

2. Write Frequently and Regularly

Some say you need to write every single day, sometimes at the same time of day. But if the Giants are playing the Dodgers and your cousin Ryan is visiting from out of town, it’s okay to take a day or two off. That being said, I do like to block time off on my calendar and do my best to stick to that schedule.

3. Write the Bad First Draft Is Also How to Become a Better Writer

Writing a “bad” first draft is tough when you’re a perfectionist. For me, this is probably the hardest part of writing. Whenever I don’t feel confident that what I am writing is “good,” I want to quit. Even writing the “garbage” draft is how to become a better writer. A bad first draft is better than no draft. This leads me to my next tip.

4. Writing Is Rewriting

I try to never turn in a first draft to a competition (unless a deadline is chasing me down and a bad first draft is better than no draft, but I do not recommend this). As a former teacher, I can promise you your teacher will recognize a first draft, too. The great thing about writing is that you almost always have an opportunity to improve on your work.

5. Writing Is Private

Stringing a lot of words together is tough work! Could you imagine taking a written test and having your best friend interrupting you every five minutes to ask if you’ve seen this TikTok? I like to wait until everyone in my home has gone to bed to open my notebook. Maybe you’d like to put your headphones in and listen to music. Either way, your friend isn’t writing that draft.

6. Learning How to Become a Better Writer Is to Collaborate

You might hear some people say something along the lines of “write for yourself.” Yes, those initial drafts. But whoever your audience is, you have an opportunity to get feedback. Was what I wrote clear? Did I achieve my objective? What wasn’t working in this draft? Did you like that joke on the third page?

7. Be Passionate but Open to Criticism

Let’s face it, we pour our soul into our writing. Even our first draft is “our baby,” making us hesitant to change it in any way. Others don’t see it through the same eyes of passion, making it easier for them to spot any areas that need improvement. Furthermore, their thought process is not the same as ours, giving them a different perspective on writing. Remember the end goal: to inspire emotion and change among those who see our work. Or if you’re filling out your application portals, it’s to find colleges and get accepted to the best universities in USA. 

Instead of feeling hurt by a harsh critic, ask yourself, “Why didn’t they follow the path I tried to lead them on?” See if further explanation, set up, or delivery is needed. When you figure out which writing error(s) led to the harsh comments, you learn  how to become a better writer.

8. Writing Is Getting Comfortable with Being Uncomfortable

No one likes rejection or hearing they could have done a better job. The worst part of writing is getting a rejection letter or a bad grade. It takes a lot of bravery to put your words out there, even if it’s just a caption on a social media post. Don’t be afraid to learn, revise, and try again, even if you feel afraid. It’s all part of the process.

9. Make Your Own Deadlines and Then Adjust as Needed

Writing is not as good as it could be when we are on the clock. We are at the mercy of a school deadline or a work deadline. When you run into writer’s block, that deadline adds a whole new level of stress, making it even harder to write.

Instead of following their deadlines, make your own. Give yourself steps and small deadlines to reach well before the final due date. If you run into writer’s block, since it is your own deadline, extend it as needed. This will keep you on your path to complete your writing without the stress of the final deadline

10. Want to Know How to Become a Better Writer? Have More Fun

My most important rule for writing is that even though it is agonizing sometimes, it should be fun. Enjoy the ride. Don’t obsess over the end result. Instead, enjoy the steps it takes to get there. When you take the time to enjoy the process, your final work will show better and inspire more.

About the Author

Tylar Pendgraft is the Director of Programs for ReadyEdgeGo. She has her B.A. in Literature-Writing from UC San Diego and M.F.A. in Dramatic Writing from University of Southern California. She loves to teach others  how to become a better writer.