No matter where you are on the writing skill scale, there is always room for improvement. While working toward better writing does take practice and time, there are things you can do that are quick and easy. Here are some simple suggestions for improving your writing right now. None of them should take more than 10 minutes, and even if you do just one, you’re well on your way to becoming a better writer.

1. Commit to better writing.

Think for a moment about what you consider to be good writing. Do you like quirky wording and entertaining text, or do you prefer that a writer just get to the point? Do you like it when a writer goes into depth, or do you prefer brief, scannable documents? Do you like strict adherence to the rules of writing, or do you like to see more casual language? Once you know what you consider to be good writing, you’ll know when you’ve achieved it.

2. Examine a recent piece.

Open the last document you wrote and reread a few paragraphs or pages. Does it flow? Do you trip over any sections? What can you do to improve them?

3. Surrender to editing.

I often catch my clients falling in love with their words. I remind them that we use words as tools to communicate meaning, so it is not the words that are important, but the messages they convey. If you have a tendency to resist the editing process, see if you can get just a little more comfortable with letting some of your beautiful words go. Remember, as beautiful as your words may be, if they are getting in the way of your message, you’re not helping your reader. [Note: I had two additional sentences here, and mercilessly chopped them, because, after rereading them, I realized they didn't really add anything to my message.]

4. Read something.

Anything. A book, a blog, a magazine, a billboard. Evaluate the writing. How does it “sound” to you? Is it interesting? Are you part of the target audience? Is it logical? Are there obvious grammatical or spelling errors? Do they get in the way of your understanding?

5. Learn a new word.

Go to the Word of the Day section of  Dictionary.com or Merriam-Webster to get a new word. Try using it in a sentence.

6. Scribble an outline.

It can be for an e-mail, a white paper, or your Great American Novel. The idea is to get a feel for structure, a key to better writing.

7. Become audience aware.

One of the best things you can do for your writing is to realize it’s not all about you. Think about a document you’ve written recently, or one you want to write. Who is the audience? What do they want to know? What do they already know?  What is their greatest concern? How is what you have to tell them going to make their lives better?

8. Learn a rule.

Check out the UpWrite Press blog for today’s writing rule or tip.

9. Talk it out.

Tell someone your idea for your next piece. Ask them to repeat your idea back to you so you know whether or not they “got it.” If so, great! You’ve got a clear direction. If not, how can you refine your message to make it more understandable?

10. Write something.

The most important step you can take toward better writing is to write. Set a kitchen timer for 10 minutes, and get your word on.

Got more ideas for improving writing in 10 minutes? Please share in the comments!

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