In order to be a good writer, you should try hard, write a lot, find your mistakes, tear down the previously written works, revise them and start again.
Writing is a very important skill in this modern world of communication where most of the information is transferred through writing. So, being a good writer can make you a good communicator bringing lots of benefits and blessings for you.
Some fortunate people are bestowed with a natural writing flow that almost bursts off a page while most of us trip over the words we write (1). But, the good news is that all of us can improve our writing by practicing, as it is said, “practice makes perfect!”
One of the most important characteristics of writing is being natural. While writing, we should try to make it sound natural and fluent. Here are listed some strategies to consider while writing to help us write more natural texts:
The structure of each language is the most important part of it. So, in order to be able to write in any language, the first requisite is having a great knowledge of the grammar of the corresponding language. Consequently, your grammar skills play a major part in your writing. You may not like to think about nouns, verbs, adverbs, conjunctions or prepositions, but if you are willing to be a proficient writer, you need to know what they are and how to use them properly (2).
Using the proper punctuation will ascertain that people are reading your sentences correctly. For instance, if you wanted a sentence to end, but didn’t end it with a period, your readers wouldn’t be able to understand your writing. Don’t forget to use the spell-check function that comes with the word processing software on your computer (2).
While we talk, we use natural language. So in order to make our writing seem natural, we should write the way we talk. Do not use large, unnecessary words to impress the readers. Just relax, be yourself, and write. Writing the way you talk is really helpful, but remember that it does not mean writing poorly, or publishing an awful content. It helps you break down the mental barriers of fear and procrastination and assists you in being a very engaging and productive writer. By writing the way you talk, you inject a little of your personality into what you write. After all, you’ll be writing in your own voice, using plain language everyone can comprehend, and a tone that makes you sound more human than a textbook(3).
A natural writing includes conveying what you mean to the reader. So when you’re writing, think about how you can best explain your topic to an intimate friend who is sitting next to you. In that situation, think about what words you would use, what topics you would talk about first, what examples you would give, and what questions they might ask. This way will help you write a text which is more informal and tangible and simultaneously engages your audience more deeply (3).
One of the first editing tests that you can put your writing through is reading it loudly to yourself. This makes awkward sentences and bad punctuation become more outstanding because as you read, you’ll naturally trip over the parts which are needed to be fixed (3).
I believe for learning anything, it is a good idea to see and review what other people have done before, and writing is no exception. Other people’s masterpieces provide good examples of naturally written texts, and by reading them, you get to learn how to combine your ideas and intentions and make a smooth and natural outcome which is understandable, enjoyable, and informative to the readers.
Finally, it’s noteworthy to say that writing is not an easy work. In order to be a good writer, you should try hard, write a lot, find your mistakes, tear down the previously written works, revise them and start again. These seem to be tiring and boring, but the result is so rewarding and satisfying.
References:
1. https://thinkscience.co.jp/en/downloads/Writing-naturally-in-English.pdf
2. https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Your-Writing-Look-Natural
3. https://www.copyblogger.com/authentic-writer/
