[chasing a destiny]

While reading this forum I notice my inadequacies when writing. My question to you is: How did you learn how to write?
I need some form of tutor or way I can practice my skills.
Second Question: Do you know of any tools, programs, resources, etc. I could learn from?

[Colombina]

I'm not an expert, but my academic writing is very strong and I've been developing my nonacademic "style."

For starters, just read a lot. My dad read to me as a kid, I read at or above my level in grade school (I kept a dictionary on hand and looked for vocab words from class. ...Partly for my own edification, but mostly when there was extra credit involved, I'm not that motivated. ). Be observant; read a lot of good writing and see what you like. It's common to mimic someone else's style too closely at first, which is fine, just don't over-borrow in the long term. Riff off, don't rip off ;) Your style can't develop in a vacuum. (Personally I love Neil Gaiman's style, I have a friend who borrows a lot from him, and I in turn borrow from her and other sources.) Shakespeare's fabulous for learning creative ways to use English.

When you're writing, be aware of your choices as well as the English language. Definitely master syntactical and grammatical rules, then you can break 'em later. There are simple rules for good writing like avoid cliches and "weasel words," and be brief, and some more advanced rules, like limiting use of the passive voice and distinguishing between Germanic and Latinate root words. Germanic words are older and "earthier." Latinate words sound "classier," with good reason historically. When the French invaded England and became the ruling class, they brought their Latinate language, and learning French became a sign of education. French quickly became "fancy" to the English ear. Ex. Latinate: "he relinquished legitimacy" vs. Germanic: "he gave up the right."

I recommend a poetry class. Metaphors and other poetic devices show up all the time in nonfiction. You can also become conscious of the way your writing "sounds." A sense of cadence enhances your writing. "It’s changing now, it’s changing fast, and we’re to blame" has a nice rhythm to it. It's iambic, meaning it's made up of unstressed and stressed syllables.

As you practice, ask for honest feedback from teachers & friends and post your stuff online if you're brave!

[freddo]

read, write, read, write, read, write, read, write...

and be your own critic

[ChanceyRose]

Write. A lot. Get feedback from people you trust to be honest and helpful. Writing is an exercise in making your private world palatable for public consumption. Grow a thick skin, detach yourself from your creations, and analyze them.

Some books I have found useful:

From Where You Dream by Robert Olen Butler
Amazon.com: From Where You Dream: The Process of Writing Fiction: Robert Olen Butler, Janet Burroway: Books

On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft by Stephen King
Amazon.com: On Writing: 10th Anniversary Edition: A Memoir of the Craft (9781439156810): Stephen King: Books: Reviews, Prices & more

The Art of Fiction: Notes on Craft for Young Writers by John Gardner
Amazon.com: john gardner: Books

Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life by Anne Lamont
Amazon.com: Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life (9780385480017): Anne Lamott: Books: Reviews, Prices & more

[Filo]

My experience in writing is in academic (technical) writing. It is mostly practice. I don't' have any specific pointers. Well, maybe 1. Try to be concise. No one likes a ramble.

[Expat in Japan]

It is essential to realize that each genre has very different demands. In college I was a creative writing major. After college, a newspaper reporter. Then on to writing marketing materials. Now I am writing academic research papers. Grammar is important, but finding out and understanding the expectations of the genre you wish to write in and of the audience that reads that genre is where you must begin.

Then as others have said you need to read in the genre you wish to emulate. As Chancey said, you must also detach yourself from your own creation. Take criticism has help to do something better, not as a personal attack on your ideas, opinions or writing ability.

Good luck and enjoy!

[PseudoSenator]

Read, read, read, read. Read books about writing? Then go back to reading!

[Isis]

This all depends on who you are, whether English is your first language, how many writing classes you have taken and what you want to write...

[Green Girl]

It's a skill that will prove valuable all of your life, both personally and professionally. From your post, you already have a good sense of grammar and sentence structure, and you know how to convey your meaning clearly. Those are important basic skills to build on. As previous posters have said, at this point the most important things are to practice, to critique your work, and to read well written works.

A fine writer once advised me to be concise and precise. By that he meant, don't use more words than you need to convey your meaning, and use the words that most accurately convey it. Do not use long sentences and multi-syllabic words just to make your writing sound more impressive - it doesn't work and simply confuses the reader. And if you use a word, make sure you know what it means. Somewhere in one of these forums someone wrote: "I would literally rip the heart out of my chest to help a friend." I'm still chuckling over that example of poor writing.

[Trainwreck]

Like a lot of people said, "There's nothing to it, but to do it."

I started out one day not knowing any grammar rules and now I reckon I've got 'em all down. Though I do mess up every now and again. All the rules of grammar are available online. I'd say just dive in. You can't help but improve.