3 Daily Ways to Improve Writing
by Kathleen M.
Your life is full of writing opportunities every day. Taking a minute to recognize these opportunities and to start to take advantage of them is a good first step in training yourself to improve your writing in a nearly unconscious fashion.
So first, take a deep breath. We are creating a new habit here, not anything more. Look around for a way to practice writing that feels natural to you, and start to do it every day.
Remember that new habits take time to become a part of your daily system. And that your writing will continue to improve with practice.
Also, keep in mind that your daily writing does not have to take up a lot of time. And most importantly, you should enjoy what you are writing about.
Practice 1: Comments on YouTube videos
Do you ever watch videos and think ‘I wonder if there are any comments?’ Well, that is a writing opportunity for you!
I am sure you are watching things on YouTube, so take a few minutes after the next video you watch and leave a comment. You will want to offer constructive criticism, highlight a detail you enjoyed, mention an idea that struck you, or otherwise engage with the video. As with all writing opportunities, take a minute to proofread before publishing.
Practice 2: Movie reviews on Letterboxd
Maybe you like to watch longer pieces, and maybe you would prefer to work for a few days on a movie review. You will need to watch the movie, maybe even take notes, and then write up your thoughts – don’t forget to edit and proofread and then publish away!
Practice 3: Journaling
Would you prefer to keep your new writing habit to yourself? Then grab a notebook or open a note on your phone and write the reviews suggested above, or describe where you are, or write a letter to a friend or grandparent (decide later if you will deliver it!).
Just take a few minutes to record your thoughts – about something happening in your day or about nothing in particular.
Have fun with these 3 new daily habits, which will later help improve your writing for college application essays!
