How to deliberately practice writing?

ScholarInRed · 2015-11-07T17:53:46+00:00

Unless you invent new styles or coin new words, 100% of your writing ability comes from what you have read. Read widely and often.

If you would like to jump into the deep end, read pretty much anything celebrated that was written before about 1900. Language since then has become more efficient, which unfortunately means less interesting unto itself.

When it comes to writing, set yourself a word-count target for each day and stick to it. No matter what utter rubbish you have to write down on a bad day, hit that fucking target. I recommend 1,000 words to begin with. I also recommend writing about everything that has happened before that point in your day, if you're stuck for inspiration. If you've written everything down and haven't hit your target, add more detail.

JohnnyShit-Shoes · 2015-11-08T01:58:54+00:00

Most authors recommend setting aside a set amount of time each day to write. It doesn't matter what you write, just write.

If you write something you like, then revise it and keep going. Remember what Hemingway says :

"The first draft of anything is shit."

youeatlikeachild · 2015-11-07T20:34:13+00:00

For some, super easy goals are the best way to achieve hard goals. Commit to writing one paragraph a day and only one paragraph.

Could be a thank you note, real or fake, a letter to a politician, a journal entry about your day etc.

The easier you make it the better. Most people can commit to 5 minutes since you can squeeze it in anywhere, including while taking a shit.

You have to look at big goals for what they are, something you hope to do for years or decades to really improve the quality of your life.

Same with fitness. It's better to get a quick mount chin up bar and decide to just do a few chin ups each time you leave your bedroom, office wherever, and then slowly expand that every couple of weeks.

The same works in reverse for negative addictions. If you drink 8 cans of soda a day, trying to stop cold turkey and just drink water generally doesn't work for 95% of people.

You start by replacing one can of soda with a glass of water and do that for a week or two. Knowing you still have 7 cans is what keeps you focused, losing one isn't a big deal, then losing two, etc.

Don't commit to writing for an hour a day, that can be too daunting especially when you can't come up with anything.

Start with 5 minutes and stop at 5 minutes. Move to 10, 15, etc.

Metalaggeddon · 2015-11-07T22:51:36+00:00

From someone who (half) uses trp to improve his writing non manual style content.

read. Every day. Kill a book a week. Verbiage is necessary for writing well. Choose content close to what you want to write.
write and review. Keep a log, listen to comments, ask for critiques not praise. (those who really want to praise you will do it anyway) you should be posting something weekly to your demographic and reviewing through the week.
find a master. Anyone more capable than you in your writing demographic. Befriend them. Ask for tips. Get their review. Editing if you can swing it.
freelance copy editing, and /or ghost writing.

In that order, you will become a better writer.

Advanced mode, learn Latin. At least for declensions. It helped me immensely understanding grammar. Also pick up some books on semantics, check out frege and kripke. Understanding intension vs expression makes a massive difference.

TRP7203 · 2015-11-07T16:57:46+00:00

The number one thing one can do to improve writing is reading. Read a broadsheet newspaper every week, work through some classic fiction and follow bloggers.

Practice is always key, write a journal at least once a week. If you experience anything that is worth sharing, write a field report.

brieneOftarth · 2015-11-07T17:11:47+00:00

I recommend Stephen Pressfield's "War of Art"

Professor_Red · 2015-11-08T02:23:28+00:00

Read something that makes your brain hurt and makes you feel stupid, then write about what you just learned.

Rinse and repeat with repeatedly harder topics and books.

Zamarski · 2015-11-07T21:20:05+00:00

Read a lot. Lean towards non-fiction but have a bit of fiction you enjoy, regardless of the genre.

Keep a dictionary (or link to one online) handy for words you don't know. There are "manuals of style" that are useful for some of the writing mechanics. Strunk and White is the old favorite. The Chicago Manual of Style is also good. For journalism style of writing, the AP Style and Libel Guide is something to consider.

As for writing, start simply. Describe something you know or something that happened to you. Just describe it. Don't fret over word count just yet. What are you looking to do is help the reader form a mental picture of what you're writing about.

Hell, post up some samples here and we'll be ruthless.

cruyff8 · 2015-11-07T22:23:00+00:00

What form of writing do you want to get "better at" -- journalism differs a great deal from poetry and research reports after all?

MrArnie2 · 2015-11-08T02:09:11+00:00

Google: Write Or Die. Use it everyday.

plein_old · 2015-11-07T23:25:34+00:00

People who "want to be eloquent" often just add unnecessary complications and self-consciousness to what they have to say.

The best writing, in my opinion, is simple. And doesn't require vast courses to learn how to do.

You need to define what you mean by "eloquent" - for you - otherwise you could get spun in 50 different directions.

It's not like lifting, imo. I don't think that's a good metaphor.

Cum_on_doorknob · 2015-11-07T17:05:49+00:00

Don't just read though, read books about how to write. Yes, even something like "Writing for dummies," if that exists. Some will be good, some will be bad. Take what you like and leave what you don't. But getting advice on how to write from actual writers will leap you ahead massively.

Title	How to deliberately practice writing?
Author	williamtaylorim
Upvotes	4
Comments	29
Date	November 7, 2015 4:30 PM UTC (10 years ago)
Subreddit	Posted in /r/askTRP
Original Link	https://old.reddit.com/r/asktrp/comments/3rwgsi/how_to_deliberately_practice_writing/
Archive Link	https://theredarchive.com/r/askTRP/how-to-deliberately-practice-writing.156253 https://theredarchive.com/post/156253

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