Topic:Gaining Mastery In Writing

Taught by Tamunokuro Precious Dauphin

I'm a lawyer and I'm going to anchor today's teaching session. Our topic today is "Gaining Mastery in Writing." In this article, I would be sharing tips that would aid us in attaining  mastery as I am led.

First of all;
Start Writing: This is the genesis of it all. Start writing. Write to the best of your ability, start with all the flaws and shortcomings, do not despise the days of small beginnings."Every professional writer is an amateur who didn't quit."

Be Consistent: In the words of Aristotle, "we are what we repeatedly do." You want to gain mastery? Be consistent until writing becomes your second skin. It no longer feels like a task and at this point, you write effortlessly. Rough edges become smoothened. I'm aware that the exigencies of life might not permit you to be consistent as desired. Then, create a workable writing schedule and stick to it. Make sure you don't lose touch with the craft.

Read: To be a writer with top notch proficiency level, reading is inevitable. A writer that does not read is like a footballer that does not watch football. By reading, you learn different writing techniques. It broadens your mind and exposes you to a variety of topics. It deepens you. Even though you are writing for fun, you at least owe your readers value. So read as much as you can. Have you ever read a book and other ideas just pop up in your head? There are certain times you read and it just triggers you to write. Reading is a great source of inspiration. Read widely and acquire different writing skills to gain mastery.

"And I believe that the best learning process of any kind of craft is just to look at the works of others," says Wole Soyinka.

Invest in Learning: Mastery is not a product of desire. It is a resultant effect of invested efforts. You must consciously be learning. Writing is an art, you must learn skills around it; attend Workshops, be hungry for knowledge related to the craft, learn new words (there are apps to help) and grammatical constructions. These are the efforts of masters in the business of writing.

Research Skills: Strive to add value to your readers. The knowledge embedded in your write-ups should be a compensation for time they spare in reading your works.

Proof Reading: Little foxes spoil the vine. Get a trusted friend or be in the company of people that can constructively point out errors in your write-ups. Well, this is where I draw the curtain.