We’ve all seen the writing tips: practice more, write daily, and use writing prompts. Writing prompts, like pretend you’re a tree spending the day at a Renaissance fair or what is a character holding a fuzzy sock thinking? While writing prompts have their role to play in good writing practice, sometimes they feel a little, well, impractical. Being a content creator is writing for real-life. This is not the storytelling for long descriptive passages or flights of fancy.
Getting that authentic writing practice is easier than it seems. There are lots of opportunities to flex those writing muscles that require nothing more than your device and a little forethought.
I’ve got five EASY ways to practice your writing without using a list of writing prompts.
1. Write reviews
Remember those beautiful jeans you bought online? The ones your friend recommended, and you immediately ordered? The ones that are now your FAVORITE jeans? Write a review. Think about who is buying the jeans. What does the buyer need to know? Can you convince someone to buy the jeans? Can you change the wording to dissuade a purchase? Most sites, like Amazon for example, rank reviews. Can you get your review to the top of the “most helpful” list? Writing reviews not only improves your writing, it also helps other customers. What’s not to love about that?
2. Write comments
Everyone’s consoled their friend having a bad day. We’ve all expressed excitement over an engagement. We’ve known people changing careers and want to cheer them on. There are life-changing events showing up in our social feeds every single day. Instead of throwing up the generic hugs, prayers, or congrats, take some time to write out a quick but thoughtful comment back to them. Think about your audience. Then edit your comment and edit one more time. Post a thoughtful and memorable response. While there is nothing wrong with a quick congrats, a meaningful reflection can change a person’s outlook and gives you a chance to flex those writing muscles.
3. Write responses
See an article you disagree with? Does someone’s comment cause you to lose your mind? Write a response. Now these are a little tricky. While the aim is real-life experience, responding to an idea or issue you disagree with may lead to more argument. The comment section of an article or blog post is ripe for inflammatory speech. Even your well-thought, reasonable response might come across as an attack. So, on this tip, write your response and then sit on it. Having another set of eyes to look it over is often times helpful. At the very least you’ll strengthen your persuasion skills, clarify your position, and express your feelings.
4. Write social media posts (in advance)
If this sounds like scheduling your personal posts, you’re right, it is. Get in the habit of regularly writing posts that are not time-relevant and create a schedule for these posts. This will improve your storytelling and writing skills. Spending extra time on the topic, word choice, and editing gives your online presence better flow and engagement.
5. Write a blog post
Just like this blog post, they don’t have to be complicated or long. Find a subject you love and just write. Send your thoughts, tips and stories out into the world. It’s easy to be a faceless content creator where few people know your writing is actually yours. Writing for a blog helps you find your voice. It will hone your editing skills. It will allow you to let go of perfection.
I hope these five tips will help your writing skills grow. By following these tips and practicing often, your writing will become more persuasive, thoughtful, and concise. So, grab your phone, start scrolling, and get writing!
About the Author: bcmadmin
