By Allison Klingsick
Senior Account Executive

Writing. It can often unearth nightmarish flashbacks to high school English class and 2,000-word papers about a Shakespeare play. Or college where you felt like you used every word in the English language to complete a 10-page term paper five minutes before it was due at midnight. With these unpleasant memories still lingering, writing can certainly feel obligatory rather than exciting. However, I’m hoping to arm you with three simple steps you can take in your daily life that will make writing less daunting.

1. Read more. I know, we’re back to the English class flashbacks. You don’t have to read the “Iliad” or the “Odyssey,” but reading an article on a topic that interests you doesn’t sound so daunting, now does it? If there’s a national or world topic or current event you’re interested in, find news articles about it and read them regularly – perhaps once a day or a few articles a week. It’s also a good idea to have a book with you at all times – and yes, digital reading devices count! You never know when you might have a few extra minutes in a waiting room. So what does reading have to do with writing? Consistently increasing the amount of reading you do helps you witness how well-written sentences are constructed and offers you the opportunity to read different writing styles, which will help you find the voice that best resonates with you.
2. Write more. Writing is like a muscle; the more you use it, the bigger and better it becomes. That’s why I recommend finding reasons to write a few paragraphs each day. Your goal doesn’t have to be writing the next great American novel, though that’s admirable. Start with consistently journaling about your day. Or, if you want to be old-school, put a pen to paper and write a letter to a friend, family member, or business acquaintance – I mean, who doesn’t enjoy receiving a letter in the mail? The most simple writing tasks – when done regularly – can help you become more comfortable with writing.
3. Edit more. It may seem like the scariest part of writing, but reviewing and editing what you’ve written helps you refine your writing. You are also able to easily see what changes to make next time you write. Giving your work to a third party for feedback, like a trusted friend, can also help you understand how others understand and interpret your writing and writing style.

Clean writing is a key component of good writing, so the more you edit, the better chance you’ll have at finding mistakes or issues.

Overall, it’s important to keep in mind that writing is something we all do every day – whether it’s a work email, a text or a social media post. Writing skills are valued in the workplace, and enhanced writing contributes to overall enhanced communication. It can be intimidating, and questions like “where do you start?” and “who has the time?” can plague your mind. But if you follow the three tips above, you’ll be a pro at writing in no time!