HOW TO IMPROVE/GROW YOUR WRITING SKILLS

So, first of all, I want everyone here to know that "writing" is not a waste of time and that choosing to write is choosing to speak for the voiceless. It is a worthy cause but not everyone would appreciate it. People may even look at you like you are wasting your time, but trust me, it is a good cause. Writing has been used to start wars, cause revolutions, etc. Such a powerful tool should not be under estimated.

Here are some tips that should be adhered if we want to grow in the craft of writing:

1) For you to grow as a writer, or become better at writing, you must first have a desire to do so. There must be an intense desire to be a better writer, you must watch/read other writers and feel a burning sensation in your chest to grow and write better. I'm not trying to be dramatic when I say there must be a burning sensation in your chest. But then, it's not enough to just desire and dream. Your desire to be a better writer should be able to keep you up on some nights.

2) Be intentional about growing as a writer. You cannot "kinda wanna be a better writer." It is either you want to be better or you really don't care that much. Be intentional in your mind. I want to grow at this! Anyone who knows me well must have heard me say this: "talent is never enough." So it is not enough to be naturally skilled and have people sing your praise, be ready to take steps. This brings me to number three.

3) Don't let that idea waste. There are days when a line crosses your mind, an issue bothers you, words connect in your heart and you feel like writing. Well, what are you waiting for? Write! Use your phone, book, whatever. Just don't let the idea waste. "Okay. Nawa o. Me I don't use to have inspiration like the one you have described above." Lols, it is okay. Check out number four.

4) It is okay to force the inspiration. I'm just being sincere. It is not everyday you feel like doing things because feelings are fickle, so fragile we cannot afford to be led by them. So yes, I'm also talking to myself right now. Write, whether you are inspired to or not. Take up challenge. Now, there are three primary ways people write. They are:

a) You have a line/word and you feel like writing.

b) There's an issue that's bothering you and you want to give your opinion.

c) You are given a topic to write on.(a seminar, etc)

It is relatively easy to write when it is a or b above, but my dear, it becomes a war when it is c. You have been given a topic to write on and you don't feel inspired, well, it may be hard but take it as a challenge, and write something. It may not be a "masterpiece" but it is a huge step to growing your art.

5) Share your work. This part can be painful sha. When you have finish "feeling deep" and you now give somebody to read and they now start yawning or telling you they don't understand. Be willing to go through this, it is part of growth. Share you work and note the corrections. (it was boring, I'm not getting the message, there were too many errors, etc) Take the corrections and don't be discouraged.

Lastly, for today I will say read from people you look up to. Caution: listen, but don't lose your voice. Read from people but don't bend yourself, don't take on their style and never lose your own originality. Be original, always. I will end here. Thanks for your attention.


TEACHER: VICTORY OSAS

DATE: 30TH AUGUST, 2017