How does one get better at writing? I can’t be a definitive source, citing the basic quality of my own writing, but I’ve always been told that the best way to improve is to read high-quality writing. Then, simply, to write. Over and over. And then again. Practice is not a romantic concept, but it is real.
I totally agree about reading high quality writing. It’s a very sensible thing to do. Practising is also a good idea, of course, but allow me to add this: go for quality, not quantity.
I’ve had a couple of cyber-arguments about this with other writers and it seems I’m in a minority, but I stick by my argument, which goes as follows.
Some people sit down at their desk and write, write, write. They say that it doesn’t matter what they produce, because it still serves a purpose - they are still practising their craft.
I beg to differ, because for me, practising is as much about analysis as it is the act of doing something. I see no point in writing, writing, writing if you aren’t taking care and thinking critically.
People get better at stuff by moving forward and occasionally stopping to check the route. Those who plough on regardless eventually hit a lack-of-progress-shaped wall and find themselves trudging slowly back to look for the missed turnoffs.
