by Jim Bessey

Created on: January 02, 2009   Last Updated: March 21, 2009

If you Google the phrase "become better writer" you'll get just over 59 million results. About half of these will be freelance writing advice blogs . The rest will probably try to sell you a book or a newsletter subscription. Do you really want to become a better writer? Then follow the advice contained on one of the best of those 25 million writing tips blogs: read fewer "how to" articles, and spend more timing WRITING.

Why does writing matter to us?

We have thousands of talented writers here at Helium. Read their About Me pages and notice how they answer the question, "why I write." Invariably, their answer is some version of "because I must." Write because you love to write, first - and because you "need" to write, second. This is why most active writers host blogs. On your own blog you are free to write in free-form flow, without outside deadlines - just for the sake of writing.

A recent article from the respected advice blog, Early to Rise, offers five great reasons to write. The author notes that becoming a better writer can open doors and lead to financial success. Although ETR would love to sell you all sorts of helpful materials, the advice offered freely is the same: WRITE, for the sake of writing.

First, be sure of the rules.

Before you can become a better writer you need to become a competent writer. Be certain of your parts of speech and proper punctuation. Learn to use commas sparingly. Beware of excess adverbs, like "sparingly"! Learn all about semi-colons and colons. Know when you're dangling a preposition, and why it's okay to do so now and then. Once you are a confident writer, you may proceed to "talented writer" with self-assurance.

Second, read!

Most successful authors are also voracious readers. They read what the competition writes, read for entertainment,and read to stay abreast of the news. They read for inspiration or to research their current project. When you read you cannot help but soak up some good writing.

Notice which writers have the ability to make you forget about your surroundings. Ask yourself what THEY are doing right; backtrack and pay closer attention to what worked. Reading builds your vocabulary by osmosis. Reading also teaches you (without you trying to learn) how to construct great sentences.

Be careful what you quote!

Most of us routinely speak in cliches far more often than we realize. We tend to write the same way. Find new ways to express familiar thoughts! Turn in sooner and get up before sunrise - and you'll feel better,

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