How to Get Better at Writing: a No-Fluff Guide that Gets Results

craft creative writing professional writing Jun 16, 2025

Discover how to get better at writing with clear, actionable steps: perfect for writers who want more than just “write every day.”

By Julie Tyler Ruiz

CONTENTS:

What it means to improve your writing: a fresh take
7 strategies for real growth as a writer
What to know about being a writer in 2025

What it means to improve your writing: a fresh take

Whether you're just starting out or you've been writing for years, there comes a point when you want more from your craft.

Maybe you want your stories to make a deeper impression on readers.
Maybe you're writing a novel and want to take it from decent to unforgettable.
Or maybe you feel you’ve plateaued and wonder what it actually takes to break through to the next level.

This article is for you, whether you’re a beginner building a foundation or a seasoned writer ready to grow in new ways.

You'll find no shortage of writing advice out there, including the essentials like write every day, read more books, and keep practicing. And while you do need to practice consistently and expose yourself to excellent published writing, getting better at writing requires clarity around what “better” even means for you. You also need a way to measure your growth, connect with other writers, and stay grounded in both confidence and humility as you evolve.

The truth is: writing is a craft you can improve for the rest of your life. And with the right mix of practice, intention, community, and self-awareness, you can make real progress, on your own terms.

Let’s explore how.

7 strategies for real growth as a writer

Here, I'll guide you through holistic strategies that will lead to your best writing yet. These go beyond simply writing every day and help you develop craft awareness of what constitutes good writing, being intentional with your writing efforts, building specific skills, stamina, and consistency, and being goal oriented. having criteria for what makes your writing good and a way to measure improvement.

1. Define "good writing" for yourself.

That way, you can take steps toward improving more efficiently, focusing on the actions that lead you closer to what you want your writing to look like.

For example, in the creative writing realm, you might admire imagistic poems and emotional storytelling, while in the professional writing realm, you might get a lot of value from detailed and well-researched technical reports in your industry.

Consider, also, that the qualities that define good writing differ from one genre to the next. For example, an excellent blog article is structured so that online readers can easily navigate it on desktop or mobile, while a great work of fiction will exhibit unforgettable characters and a compelling plot.

Once you determine criteria, reflect on your own writing and identify areas that need work, such as the actual style you use to write, the clarity of your ideas, or your ability to keep readers engaged all the way to "THE END."

2. Set specific writing goals.

Vague goals like “get better at writing” are hard to act on. If you want to make real progress, set specific, trackable goals that align with the kind of writer you want to become. These can fall into three main categories:

Examples of skills-based goals:

Craft story beginnings that hook readers and story endings that satisfy.
Write sharper, more realistic dialogue.
Learn how to use subtext instead of overexplaining.
Improve sentence rhythm and clarity.

Examples of project-based goals:

Finish a complete draft of your personal essay by the end of the month.
Revise one chapter of your nonfiction book per week for the next eight weeks.
Write three blog articles that reflect your personal brand voice.
Pitch your poem or short story to a literary magazine.

Examples of outcomes-based goals:

Get a paid writing job or side hustle.
Place a piece in a publication you admire.
Land a spot in a writing mentorship or fellowship program.
Sign with a literary agent.

As you pursue these goals, make a habit of tracking your progress. You can do this in a writing journal, a spreadsheet, or even a simple weekly check-in with yourself. Reflect not just on what you accomplished, but what you learned in the process. Over time, this kind of intentional tracking gives you a record of your evolution and helps you stay focused on growth, not just output.

3. Establish your writing practice with purpose.

To make real progress, you need a sustainable writing practice, one that works with your life, not against it. That might mean writing for twenty minutes every morning, writing for two hours a few times a week, or setting aside an entire Saturday to fill up pages. The key is consistency that feels realistic in your current season.

Equally important? Purpose. This helps you create momentum, reinforces your identity as a writer, and lays the foundation for every skill you’ll build along the way. Set an intention for each writing session so you stay focused and productive. Your intention could be simple, like brainstorming fresh story ideas or journaling about your thoughts, feelings, and the day’s events. It could also be more structured, like outlining your whole novel, drafting your next article, or editing a scene.

Stretch your creativity with these writing prompts or deepen your self-trust with The SoulTruth Journal.

4. Join a writing community.

Writing can feel solitary, but it doesn’t have to be. Surrounding yourself with other writers is one of the most powerful ways to stay inspired and keep growing.

Participating regularly in a writing community offers several benefits, including:

Receiving actionable feedback on your work and discovering its strengths and opportunities for refinement.
Giving helpful feedback to others and becoming skilled in discussing craft.
Staying accountable to your goals.
Learning about upcoming events, career opportunities, or courses you can take.
Forging friendships with people who share your passion for writing.

Look for writing communities that suit your budget and preferences, such as critique groups in your area or online, classes and workshops, and conferences and summits. Once you join, make efforts to attend events, participate in discussions, and get to know individual members.

5. Find a writing mentor.

A writing mentor is someone who supports writers, often on a paid basis, to help them improve. A good writing mentor brings professional experience and expertise, so that their input goes beyond personal preferences or the general impressions you might get from peers. Instead, they offer in-depth evaluation of your work and clear insight into what it will take to improve it.

A mentor might be a writing course instructor, writing workshop facilitator, book editor, book coach, or even a bestselling author who loves supporting up-and-coming writers.

To find your mentor and build a relationship, subscribe to various mentor's email lists, follow them on social media, sign up for their next learning experience, and reach out personally when you're ready to invest in their one-on-one support.

6. Study the craft.

To build lasting writing skills, you’ll need to study craft. While you can glean a lot of wisdom and know-how from peers and mentors, studying on your own builds your stamina and commitment, and helps you become a self-motivated writer, someone who learns for the joy and challenge of it, regardless of the external encouragement you receive.

A big part of that study is reading. Read widely and often, across genres, time periods, and formats. Explore the classics, dive into new releases, and don’t overlook short works like essays, flash fiction, or poetry. And be sure to reserve time for a special emphasis on your own genre. Get familiar with the top-rated authors, current bestsellers, and key voices shaping the field.

Need a place to start? Here are some curated reading lists:

And if you’re ready to take your learning deeper, check out my Creative Writing Course: a practical, soul-centered journey designed to strengthen your storytelling, sharpen your craft, and support your growth no matter where you’re starting from.

7. Share your work before you're "ready."

In addition to getting feedback from trusted writing peers and mentors, it’s important to start putting your work out into the world, even before you feel completely ready.

There’s a natural urge to keep your writing hidden in your files, where it’s safe from judgment or misunderstanding. But if your goal is to grow, staying invisible won’t serve you. Sharing your work helps you build resilience, get accustomed to feedback, and develop the courage it takes to be seen. You can’t control how others will respond, but the more you show up, the better your writing will get, and the more likely you are to connect with the readers who truly appreciate what you have to say.

You don’t have to go big right away. Start small and strategic:

Start a blog on your own author website and share links on social media.
Write a guest post for a site that aligns with your writing niche.
Submit your work to writing contests, both free and paid.
Pitch short stories, essays, or articles to online or print publications.

The goal isn’t perfection; it’s participation. Each time you hit “publish” or “submit,” you strengthen your voice, expand your reach, and take one more step forward as a writer in motion.

What to know about being a writer in 2025

As you explore your writing potential and build new skills, it helps to understand the landscape you're stepping into. The writing world is evolving rapidly and knowing what’s happening can help you make informed, empowered choices.

Generative AI is changing how writers write, how books are published, and how readers discover new work. While AI writing brings ethical questions and creative tensions, it also offers new possibilities: faster drafting, creative ideation, and even tools to reach wider audiences. In some ways, it’s a challenge to traditional creative processes—and in others, it’s a boost to productivity and visibility. Learning how to work with (or around) AI will be part of the modern writer’s toolbox.

At the same time, there are more ways than ever to earn money through writing across industries. From content marketing and ghostwriting to sponsored newsletters and paid book reviews, opportunities exist for writers who are flexible, strategic, and curious.

Read "How Much Do Writers Make? + How to Earn More" to explore income possibilities.

And while traditional publishing still has its gatekeepers and challenges, the landscape has expanded. Small presses, hybrid publishers, community-led platforms, and self-publishing services offer real paths to success. The key is to understand the industry, clarify your goals, and choose the path that aligns with your vision.

No matter where or how you publish, what matters most is this: the world still needs your voice. And there’s space for you here.

Want more writing resources? Check out these articles: "13 Unique and Effective Writing Tips: Your Guide to Leveling up in 2025" and "Mastering the Writing Process: From Idea to Finished Product in 9 Steps."

Stay inspired and keep growing.

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