Three Top Ways to Improve Your Writing

Back when I was a student journalist...I work with young writers on a regular basis, and I always tell them the MOST IMPORTANT thing they can do to become better writers is read. Next is write. They're surprised by that. So often, the only reading they're doing is what they get assigned in English classes, and most of the time, they're not even reading those novels, they're just Sparknoting them.
I can't tell you how many time I've asked, "What are you reading right now?" only to be met with a blinking stare and an "Oh, crap" face.
Same goes for writing. My students often want to be master writers, but the only copy they're generating is a random twitter update or two and maybe a news story or editorial.
I make them read and write, and sometimes they hate me for it.
The one thing I leave out that's so freaking important to learning how to be a good writer is critiquing. Not copy editing. Critiquing. Looking at the work as a whole and seeing what works, what doesn't and WHY. Putting that evaluation into words and helping the person whose work you're looking at IMPROVE.
I've spent the last few days critiquing friends' work. Those critique sessions have hammered home how important this step is to developing MY work as a writer. It's a huge time commitment, but it's so rewarding.
I plan on making critique part of my daily writing schedule. I'll let you know how that goes.#

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Current Book: Close to Home by Liz Lee
My beta readers called this book hot and heartfelt. I hope you enjoy it!

Currently Listening To: Within Temptation
Currently Reading: On the Way to the Wedding by Julia Quinn. <3 love, love, love
Currently Working On: To Trust a Prince AND An Angel Earns Her Wings
Currently Thankful For: RAIN!!!! We were in danger of losing all outside watering. Talk about an economical blow to the city!