Being a Better Writer.

A friend, who recently made a career jump, asked how does one become a better writer.

There are many websites and blogs — and books, of course — out there that guide you and give you tips on improving your writing, but as a writer myself, I think the core of it all — minus the technicalities of language and grammar — is that one needs to write more, keep writing and even when you don’t feel like it and the thought of writing makes you want to shit red hot bricks, just write, write and write. Even if you’re merely crafting tweets.

And read. Read lots of novels of all genres, autobiographies, magazines, websites, and my favorite, cereal boxes. I frankly — and sadly — haven’t had the time to read many books for the past year although I keep buying them with the intention of finishing them all; I’ve at least 7 unread books just collecting dust in the study. But think of reading as research — learning the styles of your favorite authors, studying the methodology and formulation of riveting plots, and educating yourself on anything and everything.

But most importantly, LIVE. Live your life and experience the world. It keeps the jar of ideas in your head replete, your passion ablaze and the stories or angles compelling. Buddy, no one wants to read stuff from someone who has tried so little. Which is why I want to make a point to do as much as possible outside of work this year.

So, make a jump on it and just do it. Because even as I write this average post, I learnt a little something myself.


P.S. That friend sort of started blogging but I haven’t seen new posts since, ahem.


P.P.S. If you’re a writer who’s interested to fill in the shoes of an interactive copywriter — who, from time to time, get opportunities to write for other mediums as well — at FutureLab Asia, hit me up at sayanoraismail[at]gmail.com. The job scope ranges from conceptualizing campaigns, throwing crazy ideas (that might just work) at unsuspecting victims, writing good, effective copy, being obsessed about the internet, posting memes and interesting web finds on colleagues’ Facebook Walls, and accompanying me on my coffee runs. Oh yes, you know you want it.