Whether you’ve just started putting pen to paper or you’ve been writing for years, one truth remains constant: there’s always room to grow. Becoming a better writer isn’t about waiting for inspiration to strike—it’s about showing up consistently, pushing your limits, and learning to love the process.
Here are five practices to help you level up your writing craft:
1. Write Every Day (Even When You Don’t Feel Like It)
You’ve heard it before because it’s true. Writing is like a muscle—the more you use it, the stronger it becomes. It doesn’t have to be a masterpiece every time. Write a journal entry, a short scene, a character sketch, a blog post. The important thing is to build the habit. You’re not just writing—you’re training.
Tip: Set a manageable goal (e.g., 250 words a day) and commit to it. You’ll be amazed how quickly those words add up and how much you will grow from this practice.
2. Read Widely and Often
If writing is the output, reading is the input. Read across genres, time periods, and styles. Read poetry to understand rhythm, nonfiction for clarity, fiction for voice and structure. Pay attention to how authors build tension, introduce characters, or write dialogue.
Tip: Don’t just read—analyze. Ask why a sentence worked. Why a chapter kept you hooked. Why a piece didn’t land.
3. Rewrite Ruthlessly
First drafts are rarely great. That’s okay. Great writing is often rewritten, not written. Learning to revise is crucial—sometimes the gold is buried under a messy first attempt.
Tip: Let your draft rest for a day or two before revising. You’ll come back with fresher eyes and a sharper instinct for what’s working (and what’s not).
4. Seek Feedback, Not Praise
It’s nice to hear “I loved it!” but constructive feedback is where the growth happens. Join a writing group or find a critique partner who can offer honest, thoughtful input. And remember: feedback isn’t failure—it’s fuel.
Remember: Not every note will resonate, and that’s okay. Learn to filter feedback through your creative vision.
5. Study the Craft
Take time to study writing as a discipline. Read books on craft like On Writing by Stephen King or Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott. Watch interviews with writers. Take a course, attend a workshop, listen to writing podcasts.
Idea: Keep a writing notebook filled with notes, quotes, and exercises. Let it become your personal writing manual.
Final Thoughts
There’s no finish line in writing—only the next word, the next page, the next chance to say it better. Keep showing up. Keep learning. Keep growing. Every draft you write is a step toward the writer you’re becoming.
At Books and Such Literary Management, we are committed to helping writers grow, find their voice and reach their dreams. Because of this, we have recently launched the Books and such podcast, which can viewed on youtube or heard on any podcast platform. You can listen to the podcast here: https://www.booksandsuch.com/podcast/
What’s new? The Books & Such Writing Intensive is coming this September! This writing intensive is a unique time set apart for one-on-one mentorship with agents who are also experienced authors. We are committed to helping you unlock your potential.We are offering an early-bird discount for those registering by 8/31/2025, $200 off the intensive pricing!
You can find out more about the writing intensive and register here: https://www.booksandsuch.com/writing-intensive/
What is one practice that you could start incorporating into your life as a writer? One thing is certain. Your voice matters. Keep writing!