--- description: From work presentations to the movie you want to write, you could definitely use some tips on how to improve your writing. title: 7 Ways to Improve Your Writing, According to Experts image: https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/blt278013b7b7196345/698878bef887dc861fe941c0/pen-notepad-advice-success-to-do-ideas.jpg?branch=production&width=3840&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=16:9 ---  * [Ideas](/section/ideas/) ## Ideas Update your preferences in [Account Settings](/account/preferences/) Close * [advice](/tag/advice/) ## advice Update your preferences in [Account Settings](/account/preferences/) Close # 7 Ways to Improve Your Writing, According to Experts ## Video: What Makes A Great Speech? [Watch (HLS stream): What Makes A Great Speech?](https://cdn.jwplayer.com/manifests/sPrWWrz7.m3u8) (2:44)  _Published 2016-07-29. President Barack Obama's former speech writer discusses what makes a great speech._ by [Eric Barker](/author/eric-barker/) ## Eric Barker Update your preferences in [Account Settings](/account/preferences/) Close Nov 1, 2016 12:00 PM CUT  Molly Cranna for TIME by [Eric Barker](/author/eric-barker/) ## Eric Barker Update your preferences in [Account Settings](/account/preferences/) Close Nov 1, 2016 12:00 PM CUT Sometimes you don’t know what you want to say. Other times you don’t know the right way to say it. And very often you can’t get your butt in the chair to write anything at all. Whether it’s reports and presentations for the office, that great novel you’d love to write, or the movie you can see in your head that hasn’t made its way to the page yet, you could definitely use some tips on how to improve your writing. Well, let’s not screw around here. We’re gonna get insight from the _real_ experts: uber-bestselling author Stephen King, renowned playwright David Mamet, Harvard professor Steven Pinker, blockbuster screenwriter Andrew Kevin Walker, UCLA Film School professor Howard Suber, “Family Guy” writer Andrew Goldberg, and many more. Let’s get to it… ## The Most Important Question To Ask Yourself “Why should anyone care about what I’m writing?” No, asking yourself this is not a symptom of clinical depression, it’s the best — no, the _essential_ — question you need to start with. [Steven Pressfield](http://www.bakadesuyo.com/2013/01/simple-tips-better-writer/ "undefined"), author of [The War of Art: Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles](http://geni.us/warofart "undefined"), puts it rather bluntly: --- > “” --- Now Pressfield’s not being cruel. He’s saying _you need to give the reader a reason to care_. Don’t just assume because it’s interesting to _you_ that it’s interesting to _them_. Before you write something, ask yourself the question. And rather than hanging your head and trying to find the antidepressant with the fewest side effects, _answer it_. What are you going to do to make sure someone other than Mom is interested in what you’ve written? Is it fun? Is it informative? Does it answer a question people are asking? Jason Hallock, the top story analyst at Paramount Pictures, says that no matter what you’re writing, a “hook” that draws the reader in and makes them curious is vital: --- > “” --- Take the time to craft a quick sentence or two that summarizes what’s interesting about what you’re working on. Test it on a few people. If they say, “Tell me more” you know you’re on to something. (To learn the 7-step morning ritual that will keep you happy all day, click [here](http://www.bakadesuyo.com/2016/01/morning-ritual/ "undefined").) Alright, so you know what you’re writing is _worth writing_. The next step is something a lot of people skip… ## Actually Sit Down And _Write_ Yes, to get something written you actually have to write it. Some call it “The Discipline of the Chair.” Sit down and write. William Zinsser has sold over 1 million copies of his book [On Writing Well: An Informal Guide To Writing Nonfiction](http://geni.us/onwritingwell "undefined"). What does he say? --- > “” --- And you need to take it seriously if you want to get better. [Andrew Kevin Walker](http://www.bakadesuyo.com/2015/07/how-to-improve-your-writing/ "undefined"), screenwriter of numerous blockbusters including “[Seven](http://geni.us/seven "undefined"),” says: _See it as a hobby and that is what it will remain._ But even he procrastinates when it comes to writing. It scares everyone a bit. That’s natural. So what does Andy do? _He surrounds himself with things that give him confidence._ Here’s [Andy](http://www.bakadesuyo.com/2015/07/how-to-improve-your-writing/ "undefined"): --- > “” --- Yes, sitting down to write can be scary. And guess how intimidating it is to _write a blog post about how to write well_? I wrote anyway. So should you. (To learn how to build a habit of writing every day — or any good habit for that matter — click [here](http://www.bakadesuyo.com/2016/05/personal-habits/ "undefined").) Okay, writing a lot isn’t easy. So what is the easiest way to improve your skills? Osmosis. Well, kinda… **_Read more:_** [_How To Get People To Like You: 7 Ways From An FBI Behavior Expert_](http://www.bakadesuyo.com/2014/10/how-to-get-people-to-like-you/ "undefined") ## Read, Read and Read Some More Stephen King has written one of the best (and most entertaining) [books](http://geni.us/onwriting "undefined") on how to improve your writing. And he doesn’t mince words on this topic: --- > “” --- Why is reading a ton so important? As Harvard professor [Steven Pinker](http://www.bakadesuyo.com/2014/11/how-to-be-a-better-writer/ "undefined") explained when I spoke to him, if we’re going to learn the rules of good writing, it’s probably going to be passively from the books we devour: --- > “” --- And then, as William Zinsser explains, you can take it to the next level. Study the books you love and _imitate them_. From [On Writing Well: An Informal Guide To Writing Nonfiction](http://geni.us/onwritingwell "undefined"): --- > “” --- Does this mean you’ll just be a second-rate version of the writer you love most? Nope. When I spoke to [Justin Lader](https://twitter.com/Justin%5FLader "undefined"), co-writer of the upcoming Robert Redford film “[The Discovery](http://deadline.com/2016/06/netflix-global-rights-the-discovery-rooney-mara-robert-redford-jason-segel-1201771642/ "undefined")“, he said not to worry about that. Anything you write is going to get filtered through your perspective and your vocabulary. You’ll pick up some of the strengths of what you’re imitating but what comes out will be your own. (For more tips from “Seven” screenwriter Andrew Kevin Walker, click [here](http://www.bakadesuyo.com/2015/07/how-to-improve-your-writing/ "undefined").) So you’ve made sure what you’re doing is interesting, and you’re reading and writing. But what’s the #1 thing that makes writing seem like it was done by a pro? ## Tell A Dirty Joke No, not literally. But hold on to that idea for a second… What we’re looking for here is _structure_. [Andy](http://www.bakadesuyo.com/2015/07/how-to-improve-your-writing/ "undefined") says that’s the sign of someone who knows what they’re doing: --- > “” --- Whether it’s a screenplay or a PowerPoint presentation, does it have a clear beginning, middle and end? Or is it a rambling mess of ideas? And that’s where dirty jokes come in… Playwright extraordinaire David Mamet says the dirty joke is the best model for telling a story. It has a beginning, middle and end, it doesn’t waste time telling you more than you need to know, and it uses everyday language. From Mamet’s [On Directing Film](http://geni.us/mamet "undefined"): --- > “” --- And how do we maintain a good structure in the muddy middle of any piece of writing? UCLA Film School professor [Howard Suber](http://www.bakadesuyo.com/2013/03/interview-ucla-film-school-professor-howard-suber-explains-storyteller/ "undefined") (whose most popular class is called “Structure”) says it’s all about the word “_but_.” To keep the reader interested you want to keep them on their toes with surprises. Twists. Saying, “This happened, _but_…” keeps people wondering what is coming next. But most writers structure their stuff around the word _and_. “This happened, _and_ this happened, _and_ this happened…” Booooooring. Here’s [Howard](http://www.bakadesuyo.com/2013/03/interview-ucla-film-school-professor-howard-suber-explains-storyteller/ "undefined") on what the greatest stories have in common: --- > “” --- (For more tips from Howard on how to be a better storyteller, click [here](http://www.bakadesuyo.com/2013/03/interview-ucla-film-school-professor-howard-suber-explains-storyteller/ "undefined").) So we’ve covered a lot of high level stuff… But what about the actual sentences and words that make up writing? Those are kinda important. What do you need to know about them to keep people reading? **_Read more:_** [_New Neuroscience Reveals 4 Rituals That Will Make You Happy_](http://www.bakadesuyo.com/2015/09/make-you-happy-2/ "undefined") ## Simplify Somerset Maugham said, “To write simply is as difficult as to be good.” And David Mamet agrees. You need to ruthlessly cut away everything that isn’t focused on your story or the point you’re trying to make. From Mamet’s [On Directing Film](http://geni.us/mamet "undefined"): --- > “” --- But it’s not merely an issue of cutting. It’s also an issue of simplicity. Clear beats clever. Stephen King says you need to stop trying to sound smart. Be accessible. From [On Writing: A Memoir Of The Craft](http://geni.us/onwriting "undefined"): --- > “” --- And we’re not just talking fiction here. If you want those reports at the office _to actually be read_, focus a little less on impressing and a little more on relating. Cool it with the jargon, says William Zinsser. From [On Writing Well: An Informal Guide To Writing Nonfiction](http://geni.us/onwritingwell "undefined"): --- > “” --- (For more tips from Harvard professor Steven Pinker on how to be a better writer, click [here](http://www.bakadesuyo.com/2014/11/how-to-be-a-better-writer/ "undefined").) You’ve simplified your writing. But some fear this will result in boring writing or that you’ll cut important elements. So how do you make sure you’re really connecting with the people looking at your stuff? ## Know Thy Reader Who is going to be reading what you’re writing? What can you assume they know? This is a far more important question than you think. Ever have someone say something to you like, “Remember that place we went that one time with that guy? They had that thing there. Can you get that for me?” And you’re like, _“What the hell are you even talking about? I can’t read your mind.”_ This problem has a name. It’s called “the curse of knowledge.” Once you know something you assume others do too. And that leads to bad writing because we’re not putting ourselves in the other person’s shoes and thinking about what they really need to hear to understand what we’re talking about. [Steven Pinker](http://www.bakadesuyo.com/2014/11/how-to-be-a-better-writer/ "undefined") explains: --- > “” --- So how do we address the reader? Should we assume they’re dumb? No. Imagine you’re telling a friend who is as smart as you are something they don’t know. Here’s [Steven](http://www.bakadesuyo.com/2014/11/how-to-be-a-better-writer/ "undefined"): --- > “” --- And don’t forget that you want to _emotionally_ connect with them as well. Stephen King says you should reference concrete things, events and beliefs they can relate to. From [On Writing: A Memoir Of The Craft](http://geni.us/onwriting "undefined"): --- > “” --- (To learn what the words you use say about you, click [here](http://www.bakadesuyo.com/2012/11/words-say-about-you/ "undefined").) So you actually finished something. Congrats! Do you just submit it immediately to your reader? _God, no…_ ## Edit, Rewrite, Edit, Rewrite David Mamet says you should look at the sections of what you wrote asking, “What happens if I take this out?” If the answer is “nothing”, then start chopping. From [On Directing Film](http://geni.us/mamet "undefined"): --- > “” --- And rewriting is another one all the experts agree on. Good writing means rewriting. Nobody gets it perfect on the first pass. Here’s [Steven Pinker](http://www.bakadesuyo.com/2014/11/how-to-be-a-better-writer/ "undefined"): --- > “” --- And rewriting doesn’t just clarify ideas. It also can make what you wrote better. Your first ideas are rarely your best ideas. “Family Guy” writer [Andrew Goldberg](http://www.bakadesuyo.com/2013/01/interview-secrets-creativity-learn-writer-family-guy/ "undefined") told me that writing “alts” (alternative jokes) allows him to survey people for which one gets the most laughs. This makes his scripts better: --- > “” --- (To learn the work habits of creative geniuses, click [here](http://www.bakadesuyo.com/2013/05/genius-work-habits/ "undefined").) Okay, we’ve covered a lot. Let’s round it up and learn where the most valuable lessons in writing come from… **_Read more:_** [_New Harvard Research Reveals A Fun Way To Be More Successful_](http://www.bakadesuyo.com/2014/09/be-more-successful/ "undefined") ## Sum Up Here’s how to improve your writing: * **“Why would anyone care?”**: If you can’t answer this question you’re in deep doo-doo. * **Actually sit down and** **_write_**: Try skipping this one and let me know how far you get. * **Read**: Learn rules. Break rules. Make your own rules. Then you rule. * **Structure**: Tell a dirty joke. Then get rid of the dirty. Unless you’re writing something scandalous… in which case, please send me a copy. * **Simplify**: (I’d be a hypocrite if I said a lot about this.) * **Know your reader**: You know, the guy at that place with the thing. No, the _other_ guy. * **Edit and rewrite**: And don’t email me about typos in this post to be clever, wiseass. These are powerful lessons. But not the most powerful lessons. As [Stephen King](http://geni.us/onwriting "undefined") explains: --- > “” --- And that means _getting to work_. But have some fun with it. As [Oscar Wilde](http://geni.us/wilde "undefined") said: --- > “” --- **Join over 275,000 readers. Get a free weekly update via email** [**here**](http://eepurl.com/o6uAD "undefined")**.** [_This article originally appeared on Barking Up The Wrong Tree_](http://www.bakadesuyo.com/2016/10/how-to-improve-your-writing-2/ "undefined")_._ ```json [{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"OpinionNewsArticle","@id":"https://time.com/4551512/improve-writing/","mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://time.com/4551512/improve-writing/"},"headline":"7 Ways to Improve Your Writing, According to Experts","datePublished":"2016-11-01T12:00:31.000Z","dateModified":"2026-03-31T10:21:01.402Z","description":"Advice from experts including Stephen King and Steven Pinker","url":"https://time.com/4551512/improve-writing/","keywords":["advice","Psychology"],"thumbnailUrl":"https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/blt278013b7b7196345/698878bef887dc861fe941c0/pen-notepad-advice-success-to-do-ideas.jpg?branch=production&width=1200&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=1200:675&height=675","author":[{"@type":"Person","name":"Eric Barker","jobTitle":null,"url":"https://time.com/author/eric-barker/"}],"articleSection":"Ideas","image":[{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/blt278013b7b7196345/698878bef887dc861fe941c0/pen-notepad-advice-success-to-do-ideas.jpg?branch=production&width=1200&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=1200:675&height=675","width":1200,"height":675,"headline":"pen-notepad-advice-success-to-do-ideas-motto-stock","caption":"pen-notepad-advice-success-to-do-ideas-motto-stock","creditText":"Molly Cranna for TIME","representativeOfPage":true}],"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Time","url":"https://time.com/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https://time.com/images/logo.png","width":528,"height":156},"foundingDate":"March 3, 1923","sameAs":["https://www.facebook.com/time","https://www.instagram.com/time/?hl=en","https://twitter.com/time","https://www.pinterest.com/timemagazine"]}},{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"item":{"@id":"/section/ideas/","name":"Ideas"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"item":{"@id":"/tag/advice/","name":"advice"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"item":{"@id":"https://time.com/4551512/improve-writing/","name":"7 Ways to Improve Your Writing, According to Experts"}}]},{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"VideoObject","name":"What Makes A Great Speech?","description":"President Barack Obama's former speech writer discusses what makes a great speech.","thumbnailUrl":"https://cdn.jwplayer.com/v2/media/sPrWWrz7/poster.jpg?width=720","uploadDate":"2016-07-29T16:42:30.000Z","contentUrl":"https://cdn.jwplayer.com/manifests/sPrWWrz7.m3u8","embedUrl":"https://time.com/4551512/improve-writing/","duration":"PT2M44S","potentialAction":{"@type":"SeekToAction","target":"https://time.com/4551512/improve-writing/?jw_start={seek_to_second_number}","startOffset-input":"required name=seek_to_second_number"}}] ```