Imagine. Sitting down at your well-worn desk. You loving run your fingers along planks. Thinking to yourself, “So many memories stored in this wood.” You turn the lamplight up to give you more light. You can feel the excitement bubbling up in you. Characters and words are clamoring around in your head ready to burst forth onto paper. You dip your pen in the inkwell and begin to write. It is like a flood of words pouring out on the paper. It doesn’t want to stop. They just keep coming. Faster than your hand can dip the pen and write.
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Ben Franklin Lacked “Elegance of Expression”
This is how it is for all natural, prolific writers…right? There’s no need for them to know how to become a better writer. The words just seem to be a gift to them. Ben Franklin was a man with a way with words. I mean, he helped draft the U.S. Constitution and the Declaration of Independence. Your writing can’t get more iconic than that.
Did you know that while Ben Franklin loved reading, he struggled with writing? In his autobiography, he wrote that his father told him he lacked “elegance of expression.” I am sure at some level or another we’ve all been told we couldn’t do something. This presents us with two paths, give up and agree. Or decide to prove them wrong. In my opinion, I think Ben Franklin was determined to prove this statement wrong.
Talent vs. Perseverance: Which one is more Important in Writing
I first read this story in Talent is Overrated by Geoff Colvin. The premise for Colvin’s book is that you can improve and get better at anything. If there is something you want to pursue, you can get better at it. This gives so much hope to those of us who don’t necessarily see ourselves as overly gifted with talent.
Colvin proposes that even in a medium, like writing, we can improve and get better. Ben Franklin used a 5 step process to improve his writing. Whether you find yourself an extremely talented writer or one who needs to really work at it. If you are a momtrepreneur you are a writer.
Momtrepreneur and Writing
As momtrepreneurs, you may find yourself doing everything. Designing a website [link building a business website] for your business, writing all the content, and creating social media posts. At least if you are starting out. Whatever your field is, you will find yourself writing. Even though we are so digital, you can’t escape the need to write. Have I convinced you that you are a writer?
Writing is probably one of the most important ways we communicate in our modern world. Although, we are no longer sitting at our typewriter or using a quill and inkwell waxing poetical or writing long screeds. We still write all the time. Content marketing is one of the major ways everyone markets their business.
For me, I have a love/hate relationship with writing. I love stories. The creative process always amazes me. I love how artists weave their tales together to come up with nuance and characters. When we have moments of inspiration, the creative juices are flowing, we are in the zone, and writing well we love it. We feel like we can do this forever. But when we hit the creative brick wall, we feel like we will never get back in the flow of words tumbling out over themselves. And it becomes a hate relationship.
First Impressions…You can’t get Away from Them
Your writing will often be the first impression for potential clients. I’ve talked a lot about the importance of first impressions in Communication Skills for Momtrepreneurs and Why It is Important.
Your ability to write well says a lot about you. If your website, social media, or some other print medium is the avenue you use to get potential clients, then your writing is the first impression. People will form opinions about you based on your writing.
Unfortunately, many people don’t write clearly, understandably, or according to basic grammatical rules.
You can’t ignore writing. But there is good news. You can improve it. Improvement never comes with a wave of a magic wand. I wish it did because time is limited. It always comes with hard work and perseverance. We can’t ignore writing, but we can improve it. And you are not alone. I will always be a student of the How to become a Better Writer school.
How to Become a Better Writer According to Jodie the Mom
1. Read
If you want to improve your writing then read. But read from a variety of genres, eras, and disciplines. Read often. This will grow your vocabulary and expose you to proper sentence structure and word usage. And reading is just plain fun.
If you struggle with reading because you are an audio learner or for other reasons. Listen to audio books. When I discovered how many more books I could read listening to them via audio, I was hooked.
Read books on writing from writers. I really geek out on these books and they are seriously entertaining because they are written by other writers. Here are some of my favorite books on writing.
On Writing by Stephen King
Bird by bird by Anne Lamott
Writing Mysteries by Susan Grafton
2. Practice
Practice makes progress. I know this is a cliché, but it really does improve your writing. Use writing prompt books, if you need help getting started. When you do write, focus on writing well. It is easy to get lazy with writing. Start writing in short bursts. Don’t start out wanting to write 1,000 words. Start small and work your way up.
Focus your writing practice on different areas. Practice writing a story. Don’t worry about grammar and mechanics. Practice the skill of storytelling.
Practice to give information. Focus on communicating each step clearly.
Practice for grammar and mechanics. Focus on improving your sentence structure. Make sure you are using proper grammar. Use this time to look up the rules.
Make the effort to practice your writing skills every chance you get.
3. Learn
If you struggle with the rules of grammar learn them. You don’t have to memorize every grammar rule, but learn a handful at a time and practice.
Here are some resources to start you off.
Quick & Dirty Tips, Grammar Girl gives quick grammar tips on her blog and through her podcasts.
Painless Grammar by Rebecca Elliott. This is a great little book. It also gives you quick tips to improve your writing.
Everybody Writes by Ann Handley. I really enjoyed this book. She gives very practical help on writing good content
On Writing Well by William Zissner. I have personally never read this one, but it has been recommended to improve your writing.
5 Step Process: How to become a Better Writer According to Franklin
Ben Franklin had a process that he used. It involved deconstructing someone else’s writing. I haven’t tried this method, yet. But I plan to because I want to improve my writing.
1. Articles you like
This is so important. You don’t want to learn a style that you don’t like to read in the first place. Find articles, blog posts, books that you like to read and in a style that you want to copy.
2. Read and write notes in your own words
Franklin would write notes about the intent and meaning of each sentence. Think of is as a type of outline. He wasn’t copying word for word, but writing what the sentences meant.
3. Take a break
Once your thoughts are on paper, walk away from them. After a few days, come back and reconstruct the article only using your notes. Franklin’s goal was to write as well as the original piece.
4. Compare
After the new version is written, compare it with the original. Become aware of the areas that need improvement.
5. Edits and corrections
Make edits and corrections to your piece. Keep in mind, the goal is always to improve your version each time.
There is so much information on how to become a better writer. But we are all continuing to learn an improve. Is there more you can add to this?
Conclusion
Is there a writer that you admire and want to write like? What are some tips that helped you improve your writing? What kind of first impression does your writing convey?
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