Want to become a better writer? Let’s start by asking: Do you ever struggle to write effectively? Do you find it challenging to connect with your readers? If you’ve faced these writing dilemmas, you’re not alone.

As the famous author George Orwell once said, “Good writing is like a clear window.” Think of it this way: When you look through a clean window, you can see things outside very clearly. Similarly, good writing allows readers to understand the writer’s thoughts easily.

After composing ten books and hundreds of blogs, joining forces on more than 60 Amazon bestsellers with over 1000 authors, and building a writing-centered empire, one thing has become  crystal clear to me – becoming a good writer takes time and effort. It’s like any skill; you need to practice, be patient, and be open to learning new things. 

Ask any seasoned writer, and you’ll often hear this sentiment – ‘Writing is always evolving, and there’s always something new to learn.”

Here, I bring you two simple, easy-to-apply tips for improving writing quality. Let’s begin our journey to enhance your writing skills and connect better with your readers.

2 Tips To Great Writing That Have Worked For Centuries

Tip #1 for Writing: Keep It Simple

This writing tip is especially for beginners. Many beginners in the world of writing often mistakenly believe that their work needs to be adorned with fancy vocabulary and ornate decorations to be considered impressive. However, what was true 2,500 years ago remains true today: simplicity in writing, often referred to as “conversational writing,” is a style that resonates with today’s vast online audience. 

This audience, numbering over five billion people on the internet, is primarily looking for helpful information but is also time-starved. They don’t want to struggle to decipher complex language or search for the meanings of extravagant words.

Conversational writing, at its core, conveys meaning without relying on flashy vocabulary or intricate sentence structures. It is logical, ordered, and, as William Zinsser aptly put it in his book “On Writing Well” (1976), it thrives on simplicity: “Look for the clutter in your writing and prune it ruthlessly. Be grateful for everything you can throw away. Reexamine each sentence you put on paper. Is every word doing new work? Can any thought be expressed with more economy?” 

Writing helps readers understand your message without getting stuck on difficult words.

Ernest Hemingway — the famous writer known for his simple “minimalist” writing style, once bet his friends that he could write a complete story in just six words. On a humble napkin, he penned, “For sale: baby shoes, never worn.”

Of course, there are instances where complex language and intricate concepts are necessary, such as in technical, legal, or scholarly writing. However, even within these realms, adhering to simple and effective writing principles can be beneficial. Here are some straightforward tips to follow:

Get to the point quickly: Your readers appreciate brevity. Don’t beat around the bush; state your main point early on.

Narrow your slant: Focus on a specific angle or aspect of your topic to avoid overwhelming your readers with too much information.

Edit unnecessary words: Trim down your sentences to their essential components. Every word should contribute meaningfully to your message.

Avoid jargon: Steer clear of specialized terminology unless your audience is familiar with it. If you must use jargon, provide clear explanations.

Aim for a fifth to eighth-grade reading level: This doesn’t mean your readers are unintelligent; it means they appreciate clarity and simplicity. Write in a way that an eighth-grader can understand.

Tip #2 for Writing: Engage Your Senses

Effective writing not only conveys ideas but also immerses readers in the experience. To become a compelling writer, try engaging your readers’ senses. Just as you’d vividly describe the sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and textures in a captivating story, you can use sensory language in various types of writing to make your content more vivid and relatable.

Here’s an easy example: Instead of writing, “The coffee shop was busy,” say, “The coffee shop was filled with the smell of fresh coffee, the sound of cups clinking, and the warmth of people talking.” See how it’s like painting a picture with words?

Using your senses in writing isn’t just for stories; it works for everything. Imagine you’re writing about a new gadget. Instead of just listing its features, describe how it feels in your hand, the sound it makes when you press the buttons or the way it looks under different lights.

So, remember to use your senses when you write. It’s a simple but super effective way to make your writing more interesting and help your readers connect with what you’re saying.

These effective writing strategies can truly bring your words to life!

And that brings me to the end of our two timeless tips for better writing. But our journey doesn’t stop here. I invite you to explore more resources for writers in the Brave Healer Resources Vault.

And…Don’t forget to check out our Writer’s Circle community and the many opportunities to become a published author within our community of over 1,000 authors. We understand the transformative power of writing and storytelling. If you’re like us, you’re on a path to improve your skills and share your brave words with the world. We’re here to support your journey in any way we can.  It’s time to be brave and share your unique voice with the world!