To Become A Better Writer...

"Discuss what was most valuable to you in becoming a better writer"

What does it take to be a good writer? Before this course I would have answered, a good writer uses impressive and descriptive words to paint a picture to their audience.

After taking this course, I now understand that writing is not about using fancy words to communicate to your readers. A good writer writes for self-discovery: to learn more about unfamiliar territory and most importantly to learn about yourself.

I used to think that writing was an outlet to voice your opinion and ideas. Writing is more than that. It is about generating fresh and unique ideas and solutions. Anyone can be a writer, but it takes passion and practice to develop writing skills that will provoke the readers mind.

To be a good writer, you need to write for yourself. You need to be egotistical. Good writers do not use cliches: they use metaphors. Writers play the devil's advocate and question all sides, while proposing new angles. Good writing is a mashup of logic and research. It is brief and to the point. It continues to be edited, rewritten and edited again. Good writers are not afraid to take risks, including killing their darlings. Yes, writing is hard, but a writer needs to be patient.

This has become my new way of writing. I do not just write to write. I now question myself, what do I have to say? I used to write about my feeling and thoughts, but that is not what the readers want. They want to be challenged and enlightened. I strive to evoke fresh and new ideas within my readers and myself. I do however; continue to add a piece of me into my writing. For my stories, experiences, ideas and opinions are unique to my writing style.
The most valuable lesson that I have learned in this course is writing to evoke the readers thought process. I have started to develop the skills by playing the devil's advocate and thinking outside the box. Writing is rewarding because you start to learn more information about yourself. When I drive on the highway, I now think about driving etiquette and the different perceptions of drivers. If I was successful in my writing, then I was able to make you think about fresh and new ideas...and that is the reward in itself.