How can i be a better writer?

10 Tips for Improving Your Writing, by Judith Alkema

1.  Start by striving for accuracy.  Make sure your sentences are grammatically correct, and proofread for spelling!
      Once you are sure that your writing is accurate, you can try moving on through the rest of this list.

2.  Use a variety of sentence types and lengths.  Mix simple sentences with complex sentences; use conjunctions or punctuation to create longer and more elaborate lines.  Keep going.  Change around the order of your phrases!

3.  Use active voice to give more energy to your sentences.  "The overuse of passive voice can sound weak and awkward, and readers may be lost if your style is continually in the passive voice."  See what I mean? 

4.  Use imperatives!  Or... Why not ask a question? 

5. Try to balance your perspective.   Look at both sides of a problem or issue.  Be fair.  Try using counterargument and rebuttal:  if you are arguing one specific side, you can strengthen your argument by considering what the 'other side' might say and then rebutting or arguing against it in your writing. 

6.  Add relevant information and interesting details.  Teach your reader something.  Did you know that people often enjoy learning things they didn't know before, finding out new facts, and experiencing other perspectives?  

7.  Use a few metaphors and similes to give interest to your writing.  Make a conversation flow as smoothly as a river, or describe your heroine's voice like melting chocolate.  Add some spicy adjectives and intriguingly novel adverbs.     

8.  But be careful to avoid clichés 'like the plague'.  Certain phrases and idioms have been used 'a million times'.  While it's true that 'you can't judge a book by its cover', seeing cliches can make your reader 'sick and tired' of constantly seeing 'the same old' expressions.

9.  Have a genuine interest in your subject.  Your passion for cats, or the botany of Jeju-do, or Hudson Taylor, should come through when you write about them, and can 'infect' your reader.

10.  Authentic voice and opinion goes along with interest.  Don't be afraid to use your own style and your own thoughts.  Even in academic writing, you don't have to sound like a robot - or even always avoid writing 'I'!   Be true to your passions, beliefs, and experiences, and you'll develop your own authentic, interesting voice.