Writing is many things: An Art form, a science, a mark of culture and civilization, a nearly universal form of expression. The multiplicity of wordcraft requires endless practice, even for those who are great writers. To compose well is to read well, listen well, learn well and act well. It requires myriad levels of understanding. The ideas listed here are some that I incorporate into my everyday activities, for work, school and play. Are you ready to become a better writer?

1. Write everyday

Aspiring Writers should write everyday, whether it be a journal, a diary, a devotional, poetry or another type of writing. It can even be a brainstorm page. This daily act allows one to practice writing, and as one improves or is searching for ideas for a new project, it provides fodder and foundation for other work.

2.Read, read, read

One thing that all writers should do is read everything. Every genre should be made palatable to other writers, even if the reader is not interested in the genre. Reading should be done with a pen and notebook nearby, to write down quotes, plot points or aspects of interest that the reader finds. One should not just read a single time, but multiple times. The first time should be for pleasure, to enjoy the work.

The second time for analysis-What style are they writing in? How are their ideas organized? What special vocabulary do they use? Why is the author writing this? The third time is for appreciation- How has your analysis influenced your understanding of the text? In a later article, I will discuss various wordsmiths that writers should read to improve their writing.

3. Listen, watch and learn

A writer should always be aware of how their work sounds. Therefore, a writer should always read their work out loud, both to themselves and to other, various audiences. It is also helpful for writers to listen to the work of others being read, whether at an author’s event, poetry slam, or an audiobook done either by the author or by a great aural performer. A later article will detail which performers and books are best enjoyed aloud.

It is also important to attend theatrical performances, to understand some of the nuances of speaking the written word. For those that are Church-goers, becoming a lector or reader is a great way to practice reading aloud with texts as symbolic and rich as those found in the anthology of the Bible.

4. Take a public speaking class

One of the best ways to write better is to speak better. Taking a public speaking course forces one to organize their thoughts in a coherent, deliverable manner, and provides knowledge of various rhetorical devices that are building blocks to developing style.

5. Take an acting, oral interpretation or communications Class

These kinds of classes will further develop your ability to interpret literature, and to communicate your ideas clearly and effectively.

6. Take a creative writing class, and/or a research methodology class

This will allow you to grow as a writer, and receive feedback on the quality of your writing. A research class will allow you to expand the genres one is comfortable with from creative to academic and scientific fields.

7. Write in a group

Sometimes writers find inspiration while working with a group. Take a chance, write in a cafe, or in a park; use the people and things around you for inspiration. Joining a poetry slam group, or a program like Shut-Up & Write in which one can write within the comfort of a group. Even writing while hanging out with your family can be therapeutic and influence one’s style.

8. Narrate Your Life

Once a day, every day, narrate your life. It can be in your head (as Morgan Freeman in March of the Penguins), or you could do it aloud. This allows a writer to become more adept at verbs, and the description of action. After some practice, you can even add some humor. Who knows, maybe your friends will laugh at your onomatopoetic dramaticisms.

9. Rewrite a story

Take a simple story or joke, say Red Riding Hood, The Three Little Pigs, or your favorite shaggy dog joke and rewrite it. Maybe change the setting, add a plot twist or an alternate ending. Afterward, read the two stories. What do you like about the new version? Share it with your friends.

10. Pun, Pun, Pun ’til Daddy takes the MacBook away

Everyday write a pun. It is a historically significant and clever rhetorical device. It can be serious or funny. It adds meaning to a work, and adds to a grand tradition.

And remember: Writers write right, right?