writing tips — *Photo by* *Mika Baumeister* (*@mbaumi*)

I’ve learned a lot about writing in the past few years as an English Lit minor and a public relations major. I’ve taken Public Relations Writing, and several classes requiring long-form papers and arguments, but blog writing was different.

I found a different voice in my blog than in other writing. After writing for 6 months on this blog, I’ve created my own voice and been more dedicated to writing.

Here are some of the ways I’ve improved my writing:

Reading lots of other blogs

Reading helps you visualize words. The more you read, the more you know what your writing should sound like. Reading is probably one of the most effective ways to become a better writer because you can mimic great writers and eventually hone your own voice.

If you’re an avid reader, words will come naturally and flow naturally.

I particularly recommend reading other blogs. Then, you can start to find inspiration; your blog will start to come easier, and your output will start to match your input. You’ll learn to create rhythm with your words. Read every day — blogs, books, news articles, magazines — and see how you can create writing that breathes.

Writing consistently

I took a couple weeks off blogging because I was starting a new internship, in finals week and moving. I’m sitting down trying to write and it already got wayy harder.

Dolly Parton said “creativity begets creativity” which is why when I write one post, I typically have an idea for one or two more.

Yesterday, I went to lunch with a friend, and with one blog post idea, we came up with 4 more. When you start writing, you’ll start coming up with better and better ideas. And the more consistently you write, the more ideas you’ll have.

Reading my work out loud

When I read my work out loud, I can hear how it sounds. My rule? If it sounds awkward spoken, take it out. Writing sounds different than casual conversation, but if it sounds like it would never come out of your mouth, then it might be a good sentence to delete. I like my writing to sound conversational – like I’m talking to you.

Try not to sound pedantic and let your writing communicate with people.

Get rid of pretentious language

That being said, get rid of anything that sounds super pretentious. You don’t need to prove to people you’re smart. Clear communication is smarter than showing off your huge vocabulary.

I’m all for learning new words and using them, but be careful. Using a thesaurus is a helpful tool to rid your writing of overused words (I use “truly” way too much), but if you stick in a “smarter” sounding word for the sake of it, people will sniff it out.

Use Command F

I always command F in every piece I write. I always look for the words “great,” “good,” “truly,” “ultimately” and a couple more. They almost never need to be there or there is a better word I can choose!

I’ll usually pair command F with the thesaurus to make sure I’m using the best word pairing. Sometimes, omitting is best!

Remember, practice, practice, practice.

You only get better with practice. I learned in the past 6 months that I’ll only be a better blog writer if I write constantly and consistently. It’s important to write as much as you can and keep it going!

I don’t have a wildly successful blog, but it slowly grows. And I know that my writing skills are growing, too.

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Halle Brown is a writer and blogger. The writer behind this post. For more content visit hallebrown.com

6 Blog Writing Tips To Help You Get Started