No matter where you are in your writing career, it’s never too late to start working on things that improve your credibility and polish your craft. From building an online presence to learning how to market your work, there are a lot of things that go into being a writer.
It can be a lot to keep track of and you may get overwhelmed during the process. But don’t worry at all. We are here to make it easy for you. In this article, we’ll go over the top 7 things every writer should do to advance their career and make the most of their writing skills. Read on to be a better writer!
1. Improve Your Vocabulary
Words are the tools of your trade, and the more of them you have at your disposal, the better equipped you will be to express your ideas. Improving your vocabulary will naturally result in better writing because you will have a larger pool of words to choose from.
Not only writing, but a strong vocabulary will also make you a more effective communicator in spoken communication. You can do this by making a daily reading habit. Make sure to read a variety of books, magazines, and online articles. When you are reading, don’t forget to look up words you don’t know and mark them in your memory.
This will help you expand your vocabulary and make you a better writer for a wide variety of niches.
2. Create an Appealing Author Bio
Creating your author bio is important for your credibility and career growth. Why? Because your author bio is your opportunity to tell the world who you are, what you do, and why you do it. It’s also your chance to share your unique story and connect with your audience on a personal level.
If you don’t know how to write an author bio, take your time to learn from a credible source and then craft an author bio containing your writing experience, publishing credits, and anything else that you think would be relevant to your readers.
However, remember that it should be more than just a list of your accomplishments. It should be a reflection of your personality and a glimpse into your life that people can read and admire.
3. Learn Something New Everyday
The mindset of learning and growing applies to almost every profession out there and writing is no exception. Whether it’s a new word or a new way of thinking, learning something new will help you grow as a writer and improve your craft.
By expanding your knowledge on a variety of topics, you’ll be able to bring a more well-rounded perspective to your writing. In addition, it keeps your mind sharp and engaged, which can, in turn, improve your writing.
There are many ways to learn something new every day. You can read books, listen to podcasts, or even take writing classes. You can also take some time to reflect on your day and think about what you’ve learned so far. It will help you ensure that you’re always growing and improving your skills.
4. Keep a Writing Journal
A writing journal can be simply a notebook or an online journaling tool where you can record your thoughts and ideas as soon as you come across them. The important thing is to make sure you write in it regularly what you have learned during the day.
You can keep a journal of the phrases or dialogues that have inspired you and then use these words or phrases in your writing to make it more delightful. These words, phrases, and dialogues will help you when you have hit writer’s block and couldn’t find the right words to describe your thoughts.
This habit will make you a more disciplined writer and improve your overall craft.
5. Take Occasional Breaks
This may seem like a counterintuitive approach but taking breaks can actually help you be more productive in the long run. Think of it this way. Imagine you are on a deadline and chained to a keyboard for days, yet nothing valuable crosses your mind.
In such situations, taking a short break will help you gather your thoughts and write better. During this break, you can play with your dog, go for a walk, get some fresh air, wash your car, or even make a call to your best friend.
This allows you to come back feeling refreshed and ready to tackle your project with a new perspective. You might just find that the answer you’re looking for is waiting for you when you return.
6. Network with Others in Your Field
No matter what field you’re in, networking is essential. It’s how we make connections, build relationships, and find opportunities. And as a writer, networking is especially important. It will help you get your word out there, land literary agents, and even find publishers for your work.
You can attend industry events, join in-house or online writers’ groups, and sign up for speaking engagements. All of these ways will help you get feedback on your work and find other writers who can help you improve your craft.
7. Embrace the Change
Well, this is something every successful author will do. If you have published a book that has failed to make its mark in the market, it’s advised not to get disappointed and start working on another book right away. Times change, and so do the needs of audiences. What worked five years ago might not work today.
The key is to be open to change and willing to adapt your writing to the times. Of course, this doesn’t mean that you should abandon your principles or your style. But it does mean that you should be open to new possibilities and willing to experiment with other writing styles and genres out there.
Who knows? You might just find a new way of writing that’s even better than what you’re doing now. So, the crux of the discussion is, don’t be afraid of change. Embrace it, and use it to your advantage to create new opportunities.
