Can You Teach Yourself to Write?

Published by MM Ryan 4/12/2023

The desire to write isn’t restricted to those who wrote their first novels in kindergarten and have MFAs from prestigious universities. 

There are people like me who don’t develop an interest in writing until they’re well into other unrelated careers and have never written a word before. 

It’s scary and awkward, but that doesn’t make the desire go away. To quell the urge, we must write. Fortunately, there are methods, for non-writers to get started, and adopt the writer’s life. Here are five tips:

1.    Read widely: Reading books, articles, and essays written by experienced writers can help you develop an understanding of different writing styles and techniques.

2.    Practice writing: The more you write, the better you'll become. Start with short pieces and work your way up to longer pieces.

3.    Get feedback: Share your writing with other writers. You can join writing groups or share your work online to get feedback from a wider audience.

4.    Study grammar and punctuation: Having a good grasp of grammar and punctuation is essential for effective writing. You can find online resources or take courses to improve your understanding of these topics.

5.    Learn from other writers: Study the writing of successful authors and try to identify what makes their writing effective. You can also take online writing courses or read books on writing to learn from experts in the field.

Remember, there are no barriers to entry. Keep writing, experimenting with different styles and techniques, and seeking feedback, and you'll continue to improve.