The fastest way to improve your writing ability

For those looking to accelerate their growth as a prolific writer of ANYTHING.

Many writers will tell you that the most important key is consistency, since writing is a skill that can only be developed when done in practice.

So how can you improve your writing in lightning speed?

I’ve been writing both fiction and non-fiction for three years. From this intensely focused period, I’ve somewhat developed a slow yet real epiphany: there are a few proper ways that I could’ve followed to accelerate my writing skill. I didn’t exactly do-so myself until recent times, but in retrospect, there are a few exercises I could’ve done.

What I’m about to suggest isn’t the be all, end all. They’re just practical takeaways which stem from my own experience writing. My output of writing crosses many chasms — ranging from numerous emails during my day job, to the abundance of articles published on Medium, to my two published fiction novels (one which has been printed!) and my various short stories which I submit to writing contests.

Here are two of the most practical solutions I’ve seen others perform and have even been implementing myself.

These methods work for anyone of any skill level — no need for intense language or writing ability. This isn’t rocket science; all you need is time and dedication to follow along.

1. Try Diversified Writing Sprints

Let me dig deeper into this. Writing sprints is the practice of performing intense and focused (think: minimal distractions and a state of flow) writing sessions for a specific period of time before taking a break. For example, I perform thirty minute sprints, where I write intensely for thirty minutes before taking fifteen minute breaks in-between.

But this isn’t the advice. You NEED to combine writing sprints with TWO other activities:

A) In-between writing sprints, don’t be afraid to diversify your style or content.

Switch between two literary pieces you’ve been developing, or just try writing something different. For example, if you’ve been focusing on writing business-related content for a blog or newsletter, switch your next writing session to a brief journal entry, product/movie review, or another blog post? You can switch between both writing styles OR the subject/topic of your piece.

A tailored solution for myself is to jump back-and-forth between fiction and non-fiction; firing away at Medium articles such as this and then hopping back to my fiction novels. I write about a wide range of topics too, which won’t necessarily change your writing structure/style, but only the content. It’s still a valuable brain exercise, allowing me to think differently on what I produce, the audience I’m writing to, and to learn new things.

Try it out! Don’t just be a “one-type” writer!

B) Read in-between writing sessions.

What’s quite counter-intuitive yet comically real is how some writers (including myself) stop reading as much as they write. Yes, I’m a victim too.

Reading is (in my opinion) the fastest way to soak in a particular writing style which you may be foreign to. There are creative ways of articulating ideas or scenes. There may be new methods of dialogue. There may be descriptive words you’ll feel inclined to use as well. You may even feel inspired, no matter what the piece.

Overall, reading other people’s work from this perspective not only expands your own writing toolbox, but it could help you formulate or revise your own plot, narrative, or topic ideas.

Thus — diversifying your writing while reading others’ works in-between writing sprints is a fun and sustainable way to accelerate your writing!

Diversify your writing by jumping between different pieces during sprints, and read others’ works when you can.

2. Relationships help you earn tailored feedback

Everyone knows you must get your work under as many eyes as possible.

But to keep earning consistent feedback, writers need to establish relationships with readers, who are willing to provide both high-quality AND frequent suggestions and ideas.

You’re not going to just stop at one article, story, or blog post. Frequency matters as much as quality, and getting the best feedback possible means an internal feedback loop should be established within your writers’ circle.

I’ve established proper relationships among friends, family, and a few folks I’ve met online who were willing to read my work. Most of these readers still provide feedback whenever I need it, and have grown accustomed to my style — knowing both my strengths and weaknesses. As a beginner writer, I can’t emphasize enough on how important this is.

So reach out to family members, friends, or even randoms you find in Discord, Twitter or Instagram. Or join a writing community/circle where tailored feedback and relationship-building are foundational offerings.

Conclusion

I personally believe that one of the fastest ways to improve one’s writing is:

• Diversify what they write about (and how they do it).

• Never stop reading for your own sake.

• Avoid cutting off valuable relationships with your readers.

About Me

My name is Kasey, AKA J.X. Fu (pen name). I’m passionate about (you guessed it) writing, and thus I’ve found myself deep in the abyss on weeknights creating novels. I’ve written two so far: a fantasy/action/mystery, and a romance-comedy. I do this while working a full-time tech PM job during the day.

Check out my website and my Linktree, and add me on LinkedIn or Twitter, telling me you saw my articles!