12 answers
Hannah
Student
Yuma, Arizona
1
Question
Asked
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How do I get better at intricate writing?
I have been wanting to be an author since I could read and have always been a bookworm and admired other authors for their intricate and insightful words. I want to inspire people all around the world, not just in English but in other languages to.
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12 answers
Betsy Walters
Technical Writer
25
Answers
Raleigh, North Carolina
Updated
Betsy’s Answer
Hi Hannah, not sure if this will add anything to what others have said. I'm a writer - technical writer by day and I also write fiction. The best way I have found to get better at writing is to WRITE. If you can, start a daily practice. Take creative writing courses - I'm sure you can find some in your community or at a local college. Some of these courses are taught by established authors. Also, what I have done is join my local Sisters in Crime group for women authors of mystery fiction - there is also one for national - but that's because I'm interested in writing mysteries. You can look on Meetup for a group of writers to join. They won't mind if you haven't got a lot of experience. Just be sure to stick w/people who give you constructive criticism, not destructive opinions! Negativity never helped me become a better writer.
Also, in my life, I have gone to a lot of movies (helps with dialogue) and listened to a lot of music (helps with pacing and rhythm) and read a lot of books (you know this one). The real way to improve is to write and keep writing for years. Some other things to consider is taking a linguistics class or a history of English class. I wouldn't worry about reaching the world just yet. When a book is good, popular, it is usually translated into other languages.
You might find someone to mentor you as you create your writing.
Here are some helpful books:
Bird by Bird - by Anne Lamott
If You Want to Write - by Brenda Ueland
On Writing - by Stephen King - you may not like his books but this is an awesome book about writing.
The Lie that Tells the Truth - A Guide to Writing Fiction - by John Dufresne
Living by Fiction - by Annie Dillard - I have this book but I haven't read it so not sure it is a good recommendation.
When you are ready read/get the Writer's Market by Robert Lee Brewer - it has a ton of information on publications and how to submit your writing.
PS: Don't expect yourself to be perfect at the start. All writers have to write, rewrite, edit, and rewrite again. Also when you eventually submit your writing, being rejected is a part of the process, just submit again. Don't take it personally.
Also, in my life, I have gone to a lot of movies (helps with dialogue) and listened to a lot of music (helps with pacing and rhythm) and read a lot of books (you know this one). The real way to improve is to write and keep writing for years. Some other things to consider is taking a linguistics class or a history of English class. I wouldn't worry about reaching the world just yet. When a book is good, popular, it is usually translated into other languages.
You might find someone to mentor you as you create your writing.
Here are some helpful books:
Bird by Bird - by Anne Lamott
If You Want to Write - by Brenda Ueland
On Writing - by Stephen King - you may not like his books but this is an awesome book about writing.
The Lie that Tells the Truth - A Guide to Writing Fiction - by John Dufresne
Living by Fiction - by Annie Dillard - I have this book but I haven't read it so not sure it is a good recommendation.
When you are ready read/get the Writer's Market by Robert Lee Brewer - it has a ton of information on publications and how to submit your writing.
PS: Don't expect yourself to be perfect at the start. All writers have to write, rewrite, edit, and rewrite again. Also when you eventually submit your writing, being rejected is a part of the process, just submit again. Don't take it personally.
Thank you, Betsy! This is really helpful information and I will definitely follow this advice and read those books!
Hannah
I have a follow up question to ask, how long did it take to become a writer and what are the qualifications?
Hannah
Hi, Hannah: Since you enjoy reading, you're on the right track. Write about what you know as well as what you think and feel about what's important to you. For example, if you like to go for walks in the park, write about that. Most of all, keep reading and writing and you will get better all the time.
Peg Fallon
Hannah, as far as "how long" there is no specific timeline. I think a writer just improves over time and practice. One thing to consider is getting an undergraduate degree in English or Creative Writing if you can. That's the main qualification if you want a job as a writer. If you want to write fiction or non-fiction, a degree does help improve your writing. I'm sure you could even study in a online program.
Betsy Walters
Joy Oahimijie
Freelance Proofreader and Editor
15
Answers
Benin City, Edo, Nigeria
Updated
Joy’s Answer
Hi Hannah!
As a book professional, I've learned a thing or two about what makes great writing. Here are my top 3 tips:
1) Write from the heart: Share your unique perspective and experiences. Authenticity shines through to readers and makes your writing relatable.
2) Write consistently: Make writing a habit by setting aside a dedicated time and space to write regularly. This helps you stay in rhythm, develop your unique voice, and make steady progress on your projects. Aim for a consistent schedule, even if it's just 15-20 minutes a day or an hour a week.
3) Get feedback from fresh eyes: Share your work with beta readers or hire a professional editor to review your manuscript—that’s where I come in. Fresh eyes can catch things you might have missed, like plot holes, character inconsistencies, or unclear sections. This helps you refine your work and make it the best it can be.
By following these tips, writers have seen their writing improve dramatically and even get published!
As a book professional, I've learned a thing or two about what makes great writing. Here are my top 3 tips:
1) Write from the heart: Share your unique perspective and experiences. Authenticity shines through to readers and makes your writing relatable.
2) Write consistently: Make writing a habit by setting aside a dedicated time and space to write regularly. This helps you stay in rhythm, develop your unique voice, and make steady progress on your projects. Aim for a consistent schedule, even if it's just 15-20 minutes a day or an hour a week.
3) Get feedback from fresh eyes: Share your work with beta readers or hire a professional editor to review your manuscript—that’s where I come in. Fresh eyes can catch things you might have missed, like plot holes, character inconsistencies, or unclear sections. This helps you refine your work and make it the best it can be.
By following these tips, writers have seen their writing improve dramatically and even get published!
Karen Kitchel
Community Volunteer
338
Answers
Saint Paul, Minnesota
Updated
Karen’s Answer
Great that you want to get better at writing. Reading a lot has already put you on the road to success.
Continue to write as often as you have time or feel inspired. Try new topics to write about. To add interesting words, use a thesaurus frequently -- they are available online.
If you know others who you consider to be good writers, ask them to review what you've written and give you constructive feedback. Include trusted family members, relatives, neighbors or friends.
There's a site called Prose, a community for readers and writers, where you can submit your writing in response to a topic (challenge) and others will like and/or leave comments on what you've written.
With every good wish!
Continue to write as often as you have time or feel inspired. Try new topics to write about. To add interesting words, use a thesaurus frequently -- they are available online.
If you know others who you consider to be good writers, ask them to review what you've written and give you constructive feedback. Include trusted family members, relatives, neighbors or friends.
There's a site called Prose, a community for readers and writers, where you can submit your writing in response to a topic (challenge) and others will like and/or leave comments on what you've written.
With every good wish!
Thank you, Karen! Your encouragement means a lot and I appreciate it,
Hannah
Zoya Naeem
freelancer
22
Answers
Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan
Updated
Zoya’s Answer
To get better at intricate writing, especially with the aim of inspiring people globally, consider these approaches:
1. **Read Widely Across Genres**: Keep reading a variety of books, especially those that challenge you with complex language, style, and themes. Notice how authors build depth through details, metaphors, and nuanced emotions. Take notes on passages that resonate with you and analyze why they work.
2. **Write Daily**: Practice is key to honing intricate writing. Write every day, experimenting with different styles and structures. Focus on refining your vocabulary, sentence structure, and the way you weave ideas together. Pay attention to the flow and rhythm of your words.
3. **Study Language**: Learning new languages helps you develop a more intricate writing style by expanding your understanding of grammar, syntax, and the cultural nuances of expression. Translating your own work or others' into different languages can also deepen your insights into meaning and word choices.
4. **Focus on Detail and Subtext**: Intricate writing often comes from careful attention to detail. Be mindful of how small details contribute to the larger story or themes. Work on incorporating subtext—what's not explicitly stated but can be inferred—into your writing. This adds layers of complexity.
5. **Workshop and Feedback**: Join writing workshops or communities where you can share your work and receive feedback. Critiques from other writers will help you see your blind spots and push your writing to be more intricate and polished.
6. **Edit Ruthlessly**: Intricate writing often comes from good editing. Write freely, but return to your work with a critical eye. Focus on clarity, coherence, and depth, and ensure every word contributes meaningfully to the whole.
7. **Incorporate Different Perspectives**: Writing in a way that resonates with people from diverse cultures requires understanding their perspectives. Study global literature and different cultural expressions to broaden your narrative range and make your stories more universally relatable.
These steps will help you develop the intricacy you admire and prepare you to inspire readers in many languages!
1. **Read Widely Across Genres**: Keep reading a variety of books, especially those that challenge you with complex language, style, and themes. Notice how authors build depth through details, metaphors, and nuanced emotions. Take notes on passages that resonate with you and analyze why they work.
2. **Write Daily**: Practice is key to honing intricate writing. Write every day, experimenting with different styles and structures. Focus on refining your vocabulary, sentence structure, and the way you weave ideas together. Pay attention to the flow and rhythm of your words.
3. **Study Language**: Learning new languages helps you develop a more intricate writing style by expanding your understanding of grammar, syntax, and the cultural nuances of expression. Translating your own work or others' into different languages can also deepen your insights into meaning and word choices.
4. **Focus on Detail and Subtext**: Intricate writing often comes from careful attention to detail. Be mindful of how small details contribute to the larger story or themes. Work on incorporating subtext—what's not explicitly stated but can be inferred—into your writing. This adds layers of complexity.
5. **Workshop and Feedback**: Join writing workshops or communities where you can share your work and receive feedback. Critiques from other writers will help you see your blind spots and push your writing to be more intricate and polished.
6. **Edit Ruthlessly**: Intricate writing often comes from good editing. Write freely, but return to your work with a critical eye. Focus on clarity, coherence, and depth, and ensure every word contributes meaningfully to the whole.
7. **Incorporate Different Perspectives**: Writing in a way that resonates with people from diverse cultures requires understanding their perspectives. Study global literature and different cultural expressions to broaden your narrative range and make your stories more universally relatable.
These steps will help you develop the intricacy you admire and prepare you to inspire readers in many languages!
Donnetta Williams
Vendor Coordinator
8
Answers
Jacksonville, Florida
Updated
Donnetta’s Answer
That’s a wonderful aspiration! Here are some tips to help you improve your intricate writing skills:
Read Widely and Actively: Immerse yourself in a variety of genres and styles. Pay attention to how authors construct their sentences, develop their characters, and build their worlds.
Write Regularly: Make writing a daily habit. Set aside time each day to write, even if it’s just for a few minutes.
Edit Ruthlessly: Writing is rewriting. Don’t be afraid to cut unnecessary words, sentences, or even entire paragraphs. Focus on clarity and precision.
Seek Feedback: Join a writing group or workshop where you can share your work and receive constructive criticism.
Study Writing Techniques: Learn about different literary devices and techniques, such as metaphors, similes, and symbolism.
Expand Your Vocabulary: A rich vocabulary allows you to express your ideas more precisely and vividly.
Write in Multiple Languages: Since you want to inspire people in different languages, practice writing in those languages.
Read Aloud: Reading your work aloud can help you catch awkward phrasing and improve the flow of your writing.
Keep a Journal: Document your thoughts, ideas, and observations.
Stay Inspired: Surround yourself with inspiration. Read books, watch movies, visit art galleries, and engage in conversations that spark your creativity.
Remember, becoming a great writer takes time and dedication. Keep nurturing your passion for writing, and you’ll continue to grow and inspire others with your words. 🌟
Is there a specific genre or type of writing you’re particularly interested in?
Read Widely and Actively: Immerse yourself in a variety of genres and styles. Pay attention to how authors construct their sentences, develop their characters, and build their worlds.
Write Regularly: Make writing a daily habit. Set aside time each day to write, even if it’s just for a few minutes.
Edit Ruthlessly: Writing is rewriting. Don’t be afraid to cut unnecessary words, sentences, or even entire paragraphs. Focus on clarity and precision.
Seek Feedback: Join a writing group or workshop where you can share your work and receive constructive criticism.
Study Writing Techniques: Learn about different literary devices and techniques, such as metaphors, similes, and symbolism.
Expand Your Vocabulary: A rich vocabulary allows you to express your ideas more precisely and vividly.
Write in Multiple Languages: Since you want to inspire people in different languages, practice writing in those languages.
Read Aloud: Reading your work aloud can help you catch awkward phrasing and improve the flow of your writing.
Keep a Journal: Document your thoughts, ideas, and observations.
Stay Inspired: Surround yourself with inspiration. Read books, watch movies, visit art galleries, and engage in conversations that spark your creativity.
Remember, becoming a great writer takes time and dedication. Keep nurturing your passion for writing, and you’ll continue to grow and inspire others with your words. 🌟
Is there a specific genre or type of writing you’re particularly interested in?
This was super helpful, thanks Donnetta! I liked this advice and I will definitely follow it.
Hannah
Andrew Poynter
U.S. Air Force Public Affairs, Author/Editor
3
Answers
Anderson, South Carolina
Updated
Andrew’s Answer
A lot of the other answers here are very introspective, very much about setting personal goals and meeting them. It's great advice, and honestly, if I tried to give it I would only be repeating a lot of it. So, instead, I'm just going to list some great resources to help with your writing.
1. Brandon Sanderson's YouTube. He's a very good author, and challenges a lot of the misconceptions people have about writing.
2. Hello Future Me. He makes videos on world building, especially focused on how world building is used to enhance the story, rather than just creating a box for the story to exist within.
3. Overly Sarcastic Productions. Between the OSPodcast, Detail Diatribes, and Trope Talks, they're a wealth of knowledge on the various eccentricities of story building. They're incredibly entertaining, which makes their content incredibly memorable and easy to absorb.
4. Any book you like. If something works for you, there's usually a reason why. You can always dig through your favorite books and deconstruct the aspects that make them enjoyable to you. It's a great way to learn a lot about yourself in the process.
1. Brandon Sanderson's YouTube. He's a very good author, and challenges a lot of the misconceptions people have about writing.
2. Hello Future Me. He makes videos on world building, especially focused on how world building is used to enhance the story, rather than just creating a box for the story to exist within.
3. Overly Sarcastic Productions. Between the OSPodcast, Detail Diatribes, and Trope Talks, they're a wealth of knowledge on the various eccentricities of story building. They're incredibly entertaining, which makes their content incredibly memorable and easy to absorb.
4. Any book you like. If something works for you, there's usually a reason why. You can always dig through your favorite books and deconstruct the aspects that make them enjoyable to you. It's a great way to learn a lot about yourself in the process.
Your advice was so helpful!
Hannah
Tom Foster
Freelance Writer with a lot of life experience
48
Answers
Forest Grove, Oregon
Updated
Tom’s Answer
Everyone on this panel has given you great answers, and it boils down to a few things: Read a lot, pay attention to what you read, and emulate those you think have a great voice. Always make sure to use your own voice, but pay attention to what they do with their words, what they say, and how they keep you turning one page after another. Some writers can feel this and produce content that is gripping without much effort, others have to work at it for years before discovering their own voice.
Pay attention, and just write.
Pay attention, and just write.
Thanks, Tom. I’ll make sure to listen to this and keep practicing!
Hannah
Boniface Ndirangu
Medical Representative and Family Oriented Magazine Contributor/ Editor
3
Answers
Nairobi, Nairobi County, Kenya
Updated
Boniface’s Answer
Tips to Refine Your Intricate Writing
1. Broaden Your Vocabulary
- Read extensively.
- Keep a vocabulary journal.
- Use a thesaurus.
2. Perfect Sentence Structure
- Vary sentence lengths.
- Experiment with sentence types.
- Maintain parallelism.
3. Enhance Attention to Detail
- Observe carefully.
- Incorporate vivid imagery.
- Show, don’t tell.
4. Write Regularly
- Practice consistently.
- Seek constructive feedback.
- Embrace revision.
5. Study Skilled Writers
- Analyze their techniques.
- Emulate (not copy) their style.
1. Broaden Your Vocabulary
- Read extensively.
- Keep a vocabulary journal.
- Use a thesaurus.
2. Perfect Sentence Structure
- Vary sentence lengths.
- Experiment with sentence types.
- Maintain parallelism.
3. Enhance Attention to Detail
- Observe carefully.
- Incorporate vivid imagery.
- Show, don’t tell.
4. Write Regularly
- Practice consistently.
- Seek constructive feedback.
- Embrace revision.
5. Study Skilled Writers
- Analyze their techniques.
- Emulate (not copy) their style.
Thank you, Boniface! (P.S I love your name.) This means a lot and I appreciate how you boiled down the advice to simple bullet points, this means a lot.
Hannah
You're welcome, Hannah, and thanks 😊!
Boniface Ndirangu
Tami Sullivan
Freelancing
12
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Tami’s Answer
That's a personal thing that will depend upon your unique experiences and goals. You'll likely change your ideas over time depending upon such conditions. Writing to keep themes and elements the way they "should be" could instead become developing your own approaches from what you want to portray (for yourself and the intended audience.)
You can use drastic self realizations or even adapt these same experiences with different possible consequences in your experiences. It depends on how you want to use your time and reflect upon what you've learned from not only life, but also study. In that case, it makes the most sense to review the basics anytime you feel less inspiration and build upon grammar and diction.
It shouldn't be considered "wasteful" or "dumb" to revisit the basics when it comes to the writing craft. For example, even if you've written volumes of poetry or prose, it's ok to bone up on things like paragraph components, plot structure, and so on. Getting further in quality is never an issue when you're focused upon certain aspects as these that you're looking to portray.
Reevaluate your goals.
Reexamine your experiences.
Create notes or a journal for ideas and brainstorming.
Combine different experiences with various consequences, realized or not.
Never feel it's too late to build upon the basics like grammar.
You can use drastic self realizations or even adapt these same experiences with different possible consequences in your experiences. It depends on how you want to use your time and reflect upon what you've learned from not only life, but also study. In that case, it makes the most sense to review the basics anytime you feel less inspiration and build upon grammar and diction.
It shouldn't be considered "wasteful" or "dumb" to revisit the basics when it comes to the writing craft. For example, even if you've written volumes of poetry or prose, it's ok to bone up on things like paragraph components, plot structure, and so on. Getting further in quality is never an issue when you're focused upon certain aspects as these that you're looking to portray.
Tami recommends the following next steps:
This answer was different from the others I’ve gotten, but I really appreciate it and will definitely keep this in mind.
Hannah
Joanne Williams
Associate Professor
29
Answers
Olivet, Michigan
Updated
Joanne’s Answer
Stories do inspire, you are correct.
And, first, the old adage does have some truth - write what you know, especially when you want to share
your own great story and life.
Then, write honestly - people can tell when writing is fake- even when it is meant to be.
As others have pointed out, reading and writing go together. When writers read, they read for inspiration,
insight, exploration of other styles and ways to communicate. We are not copying, we are evolving and learning.
Most important, write every day - for "real" for fun, for daydreaming. Write on!
And, first, the old adage does have some truth - write what you know, especially when you want to share
your own great story and life.
Then, write honestly - people can tell when writing is fake- even when it is meant to be.
As others have pointed out, reading and writing go together. When writers read, they read for inspiration,
insight, exploration of other styles and ways to communicate. We are not copying, we are evolving and learning.
Most important, write every day - for "real" for fun, for daydreaming. Write on!
Thank you, Joanna! I love your answer and based just on this response, I can tell your writing is beautiful.
Hannah
Saumya Shridhar
Investigations Counsel / Litigator
11
Answers
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Saumya’s Answer
Hi Hannah, that's a lovely thought!
Barring academic and history writings, most intricate and engaging prose or poetry originates from deep seated human emotions (happiness, love, sorrow, etc.), personal experiences and/or aspirations. There are many ways you can hone your skills:
1. Keep reading various kinds of work- both prose and poetry- in all languages that you can comprehend. More and more reading will subconsciously expose you to articulating the same thought in many different ways.
2. Maintain a personal diary to be better able to articulate your emotions at the end of each day/ week to capture any feelings and/or events that you feel strongly about. You will keep getting better at it and find different ways to express yourself.
3. Write weekly or fortnightly essays/ blogs/ columns on any topic that moves or inspires you (could be a current event topic that you researched about; or something entirely personal)- If such opportunities for blogs/ columns appear at a school/ college level, you could take those up as practice too.
4. Learning languages - although thoughts are expressed best and most lucidly in one's mother tongue, you can always explore and learn newer languages and eventually apply the same writing practices to that.
Hope this helps!
Cheers,
Saumya
Barring academic and history writings, most intricate and engaging prose or poetry originates from deep seated human emotions (happiness, love, sorrow, etc.), personal experiences and/or aspirations. There are many ways you can hone your skills:
1. Keep reading various kinds of work- both prose and poetry- in all languages that you can comprehend. More and more reading will subconsciously expose you to articulating the same thought in many different ways.
2. Maintain a personal diary to be better able to articulate your emotions at the end of each day/ week to capture any feelings and/or events that you feel strongly about. You will keep getting better at it and find different ways to express yourself.
3. Write weekly or fortnightly essays/ blogs/ columns on any topic that moves or inspires you (could be a current event topic that you researched about; or something entirely personal)- If such opportunities for blogs/ columns appear at a school/ college level, you could take those up as practice too.
4. Learning languages - although thoughts are expressed best and most lucidly in one's mother tongue, you can always explore and learn newer languages and eventually apply the same writing practices to that.
Hope this helps!
Cheers,
Saumya
Patricia Mendoza
Assistant Manager
2
Answers
Paterson, New Jersey
Updated
Patricia’s Answer
Hannah, you can look at this in two ways, either personally or professionally. Personally, everyone has different writing styles, no one will be Shakespeare! Everyone has a different tempo and when you find it, it'll be tuned to your liking. Professionally, there are ways to change your writing to your liking so it to your standards. Here are some ideas:
Begin to record yourself and how you think they can sound on paper. This is given me much help with my own writing, knowing how the tone sounds differently, how to change words when they sound wrong, these little things like recording yourself talk and running it back can be helpful when doing this.
Edit, edit, edit! A first draft will never be your final. Like many essays in life, they usually aren't the first to go out to the world, which is why people are unhappy with the final result. Editing constantly will improve your feelings on how this can change.
Patricia recommends the following next steps: