Writer Wednesday: 5 Ways to Freshen Your Writing

We’ve all heard the saying “write what you know”.  While it is important to share our own experiences and work from our strengths, however, it never hurts to open ourselves to new experiences and develop new strengths as a writer.  Here are 5 ways to do that.

1. Choose a setting you know little about.

Sure, it’s going to take a fair bit of research, but you can really shake the dust off your writing if you are looking at something through fresh eyes.

2. Mix up the POV

While we’re on the subject of fresh eyes, why not take a scene or a story and try writing it from another character’s perspective.  Or change it from 3rd person to 1st person.  This new take on events can help you see aspects of the story you hadn’t noticed before, and help you understand secondary characters better.

3. Consult outside experts

Many writers, myself included, find it easier to rely on their own knowledge base rather than reaching out for information from others.  But I’ve found that when I do look for expertise from others, it not only saves me the time and energy of researching it myself, but someone else might bring an idea that I hadn’t even thought of.

4. Learn new words

Shake up your usual repertoire by adding some new words to your tool kit.  Read lots of varied authors.  Flip through the dictionary.  Try to use words you wouldn’t ordinarily use, or use an old word in a new way.

5. Keep learning

Look for online resources, workshops in your area, or advanced creative writing courses to keep improving and polishing your writing.

Hopefully you’ve gleaned some helpful tips today, and been inspired to write like you’ve never written before.  🙂