One of the best ways to become a better writer is to read, read, and read some more. While absorbing content, pay attention to how it’s constructed. What makes your reading experience a smooth or bumpy ride? Why do you get immersed versus stay on the surface? Apply these observations to improve your writing.
Besides devouring books on writing by writers, the Internet is a vast ocean of blogs and resources for writers. I use these and others to continually hone my craft. I hope you find them useful, and please share others you use.
4 Tools to Become a Better Writer
WordRake: Tighten, tone, and clarify your writing by eliminating extra words. This Microsoft Office add on “rakes” Word and Outlook copy for words that can be cut and simplified.
Hemingway App: Make your writing bold and clear by strengthening descriptions, reducing passive voice, and simplifying sentences. The basic app is free. Added features are available in a version to purchase.
Grammar Girl: Get the answer to any grammar question with a full explanation of what’s correct, incorrect, and optional.
Merriam-Webster: Use the dictionary to verify when to use one word, two words, or a hyphen. Use the thesaurus to find synonyms and related terms for ideas you want to enhance.
5 Websites and Blogs to Improve Your Content
Copyblogger: Learn from content marketing experts about how to write compelling content that engages audiences. Sign up for a free membership to access this ever-growing collection of blogs, e-books, and other resources.
Enchanting Marketing: Attract and keep your audiences by adding sparkle to your writing. Take advantage of this free goldmine of practical tips to improve for every aspect of your writing.
Write to the Point: Learn the fine points of clear and compelling writing from Gary Kinder, author and creator of the WordRake editing tool described above. Subscribe to this free weekly blog and access archives at your convenience.
HubSpot Blog: Upgrade your writing and content marketing skills with thought leadership offered through free blogs, webinars, and other resources.
The Writing Cooperative: A place on Medium.com where experienced and aspiring writers help each other write better.
6 Books on Writing by Writers
The War of Art, Steven Pressfield
The Art of Memoir, Mary Karr
The Forest for the Trees, Betsy Lerner
On Writing: A Memoir Of The Craft, Stephen King
You Are a Writer (So Start Acting Like One), Jeff Goins
Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear, Elizabeth Gilbert