When it comes to improving, we really do subscribe to Stephen King's philosophy: “If you want to be a writer, you must do two things above all others: read a lot and write a lot.”
1. Read a lot. Make sure you read widely so you can see how good AND bad writing work. Other people's stories are the best teachers.
2. Write a lot. Writing is just like playing a musical instrument or learning a sport; it takes a LOT of practice. It means giving yourself permission to suck for a long time; it means accepting that the piece isn't perfect and can always be improved. It means writing on, even when you can't stand what you've already written.
3. Get into a community of writers where you can get feedback. This is the kind of group that Tolkien belonged to, or Hemingway, or Woolf. Ideally, it's a group of people who can see what you're trying to do with your stories and won't hold it to an impossible standard, but will instead both encourage you and help you to correct writing problems you can't see on your own.
We offer several a great community and many programs to help you with this.
- 100 Day Book: an intense 100-day program to get your first draft done.
- The Write Practice Pro : the best members-only community for getting and learning to give feedback.
- Finish Your Book (DIY course): an extension of The Write Practice Pro, with hundreds of dollars' worth of extra free resources for you.
- Write to Publish (DIY course): the best course for learning how to build your author platform and build readership through social media channels, personal website, and an email list.
If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact us.