6 ways to practice better writing

Although I’ve been writing and editing professionally for more than 15 years, refining my abilities is something I still struggle with.

Despite my dedication to the craft of writing, I’ll have moments when I stare at a blank screen, unable to call up the right words. Sometimes, I’ll go back to something I’ve published and wonder what the heck I was thinking when I wrote it.

Writing is a process of practicing, honing and perfecting.

Here are some ways to sharpen your skills:

1. Play writing games.

A friend and I often play a game called Storymatic, which includes a series of cards used to generate story ideas.

With each turn, players draw two character cards, such as “a butcher” and “the object of a secret crush,” along with two object cards, such as “a flat tire” and “a secret hiding place.”

The goal is to combine all four elements into one story, and the person with the most creative story wins.

Playing games that include writing prompts can help you to think creatively and stretch your storytelling abilities. As the need for strong storytellers grows in the marketing world, honing this skill can go a long way.