Writer's tutorial entry: 15 writing tips your teacher probably didn't teach you

1. Start Before You Are Ready
If you wait until you feel 100%, you may
never start. Always start writing before you
are absolutely ready. You'll find that you
know more than enough to start.
2. Write As You Speak
It's tempting to want to sound more
professional or intellectual in your writing,
but simplicity wins every time. Avoid
complicated sentence structures and too
many adjectives. Instead simply write as you
speak. You can always edit your writing for
clarity later.
3. Write Full Copy
Writing an outline or rough dot points can
only take you so far. Write a full copy, long-
hand draft that is complete and ready for a
final edit, straight off the mark.
4. Avoid Perfectionism
Your writing will never be perfect, so striving
for perfection is a fruitless task. Accept that
your writing is good enough and keep going.
You will improve over time and become a
better writer but no one is ever perfect.
5. Write to Your Ideal Reader
Imagine your ideal reader and write to him or
her. Your ideal reader might be based off a
real person, or be someone completely
imaginary. The important thing is that you
have a clear image in your mind of exactly
who this person is. By keeping your ideal
reader in mind, you will be writing directly to
your audience.
6. Eliminate Redundant Words
Avoid overwriting by using fewer words to
express the same sentiment. Doing this will
tighten up your writing to achieve better flow
and more impact.
7. Write Every Single Day
Writing every single day will help you avoid
writers block by maintaining a flow to your
writing practice. It will also ensure that
you're constantly improving and becoming a
better writer. After all, practice makes perfect.
8. Create a First Draft
Without editing, write your first draft freely.
Doing this will help you maintain your flow.
Creating and editing are two separate mental
processes so it's essential to keep them as
separate tasks in your writing schedule also.
9. Don't Wait for the Perfect Moment
The perfect moment to write may never
come, so don't sit around waiting for it. The
best moment to start writing is right now.
10. Read Your Writing Out Aloud
It's tempting to edit your writing by reading
silently, but saying the words aloud is
essential. It will help you eliminate the
awkward sentences and errors you didn't
catch first time around.
11. Read the Work of Great Writers
Reading is an essential step in learning to be
a better writer. Read the work of great writers
you admire to get inspired and learn how
they structure their writing.
12. Start a Writing Routine and Stick to It
Every great writer has a good routine. Find
what works best for you and stick to it. Pick
a time of day and a place, and write like your
life depends on it.
13. Live Your Life
Great writers live interesting lives. An
interesting life will give you great inspiration
and material for your own writing, so get out
there and do great things to become a better
writer.
14. Don't Wait for the Perfect Conditions
You don't need a special desk, the perfect
view, or a sunny day to write. All you need is
a pen and paper. Stop making excuses and
write no matter what.
15. Join a Writers Group
Join a writers group to meet like minded
people who share your interest and ambition
for writing. A writers group will provide you
with the much needed support, guidance, and
motivation you need to become a great
writer.
This article is courtesy from Trent Steele