Whether you’re just starting your writing journey or looking to improve your craft, writing practice may be helpful to you. Here are 6 types of writing practice to help you become a better writer. Each method helps sharpen different skills, offering you a variety of ways to develop your writing and stay inspired.
1. Freewriting
Freewriting, introduced to this writer by Natalie Goldberg in her classic book WRITING DOWN THE BONES, is one of the best creative writing exercises to unlock your creativity. It involves responding to a prompt and writing continuously without editing or overthinking. This practice is great for beginners and seasoned writers alike because it helps you get words on the page and break through mental blocks.
Example: Use a simple prompt like “The air was thick with…” and let your mind wander for 10 minutes. Write whatever comes to mind without stopping to correct or censor yourself. This freewriting practice is ideal for generating ideas and breaking free from writer’s block.
Key takeaway: Freewriting uses a prompt to get started but remains unstructured and raw. It’s a great way to practice writing without worrying about perfection.
2. Morning Pages
Morning Pages, introduced by Julia Cameron in The Artist’s Way, is a daily writing practice perfect for clearing your mind and staying focused. Unlike other forms of writing practice, Morning Pages are designed to help you dump all your thoughts and worries on the page, freeing up mental space for more creative work. Morning Pages can be an excellent tool for writers looking for writing inspiration each day.
Example: As soon as you wake up, write three longhand pages about whatever is on your mind. You can reflect on dreams, plans for the day, or emotions you’re working through. The goal isn’t to produce polished work but to clear your mind and set the stage for creativity.
Key takeaway: Morning Pages are a structured, daily practice aimed at mental clarity rather than idea generation, making them a useful habit for any writer looking to improve their writing skills.
3. Prompt-Based Writing
Prompt-based writing is one of the best writing prompts for writers who need focus and direction. A writing prompt gives you a starting point to explore, helping you shape a specific story or scene. This exercise is ideal for improving narrative structure and for anyone wondering how to improve their writing skills with more focused practice.
Example: Use a prompt like, “Write about a time you felt completely lost,” and develop it into a short story or reflective piece. Here, the prompt doesn’t just trigger the writing—it also guides the direction, leading to a more coherent result than freewriting.
Key takeaway: Prompt-based writing is focused and intentional. It’s perfect for writers who want to develop specific pieces while exploring new ideas or themes.
4. Journaling
Journaling is a flexible, introspective writing practice that helps you reflect on daily events, emotions, and experiences. It’s a great writing practice for beginners because it encourages regular writing without the pressure of creating polished work. Journaling can also serve as a source of writing inspiration when you’re feeling stuck.
Example: At the end of each day, write a few paragraphs about something that happened and how it made you feel. Journaling helps you track personal growth, process emotions, and can inspire future writing projects.
Key takeaway: Journaling is a personal and reflective writing practice. It helps writers stay connected to their thoughts and provides material for future creative writing.
5. Writing Exercises
Writing exercises are focused activities that help you improve specific aspects of your writing, such as dialogue, pacing, or character development. These exercises are perfect for anyone looking for creative writing exercises that target areas where they want to grow.
Example: Write a scene where two characters argue, but only use body language and action to convey the tension—no dialogue. This exercise challenges you to “show” rather than “tell” in your writing, a valuable skill for any storyteller.
Key takeaway: Writing exercises are structured, targeted practices that help you improve specific writing techniques. They’re perfect for writers who want to sharpen their craft and grow in particular areas.
6. Rewriting and Revising
Rewriting is an essential writing practice for anyone looking to improve their writing. Often, your best work comes through revision, where you refine ideas, tighten sentences, and clarify your message. Rewriting helps writers elevate their work and is an important step in developing your voice.
Example: Take a draft of a story or essay you wrote a few weeks ago and revise it. Focus on cutting unnecessary words and making your dialogue sharper. Rewriting often leads to surprising improvements in your original draft.
Key takeaway: Rewriting is where the real work begins. It’s one of the most important writing tips for new writers, teaching you to critically assess your own work and make it stronger.
Conclusion:
Writing practice is essential for every writer, from beginners to experienced authors. By incorporating these six types of writing practice into your routine, you’ll stay inspired and continue improving your writing skills. Whether you’re freewriting to unlock creativity or working through a prompt-based story, the key is to keep writing and exploring new approaches.