Practice

Write as much as you can.  Everyday if possible.  You can’t get any better without practice.

Read

Read as much as you can.  You won’t know what’s good if you don’t read it.  Read current, as well as, older things, to keep more perspective.

Surround Yourself With Creativity

Surrounding yourself with creative people is always a good idea, especially if they themselves are writers.  Many writers attribute their success to beloning to a writers group.  A writers group is a group that gathers routinely, either weekly or monthly, and they critique the work of each other.  There are several different forms, and all can yield some benefit.  It’s good to hear the advise of people in the same boat as you.

Brainstorm

Many writers often talk about a writers journal.  This is a scribble pad just for whatever comes to mind.  It doesn’t have to be a daily journal.  It’s not for keeping track of your life, or anything like that.  It’s just a quick way to scribble notes, brainstorm or just remember something interesting that you saw, heard or experienced.

Write What You Know

Do your research.  One aspect of writing that all writers agree on, is to write what you know.  This may be something that your are coming to know, or you’ve known bits and pieces but are now diving deeper.  Or, it could be surrounding a topic you’ve been involved with your whole life.  Either way, be informed, and lead with knowledge.

Seek Out Criticism

Learn to take criticism wisely.  Allow a number of people to review your work.  You’re writing for the reader, so you may as well see what they think.  Everyone will have something to say, however, avoid those who immediately reply, “It’s great.”  Also, avoid criticism that attacks you personally.  A review who states, “This writing shows immaturity,” is reviewing you, and not your writing.

The opposite would be to avoid any type of bad criticism by stating things like, “They just don’t get it,” or “They just don’t get me.”  Don’t allow yourself to become pretentious about your work.  Accept criticism as it’s helpful, and will make you a better writer.  If a reader didn’t get it, it’s because you didn’t write it.

Re-write

Many authors will tell you, re-writing is one of the most important factors of being a good writer.  After you’ve finished a first draft, put it down for a day, or two, or maybe even a week–however long it will take for you to disconnect with the writing, and review it with a critical eye.  Go back to the writing with a red pen and mark it up with notes and whatever you feel comfortable.  Then re-write it, better, tighter and clearer to the reader.  Stephen King once wrote, “A final draft should be the first draft – 10%.”  He received the advice from a prospective publisher, and it can lead to much tighter writing.

How to become a good a good writer is never an easy answer, but with practice, and the right environment, anyone can learn to be a good writer.