Writing Q-Tips

1) Read a lot. By reading, you'll be able to observe the different kinds of writing styles of different authors. Then you can try to copy some of their styles at first until you're ready to have a style of your own.

2) Keep a journal of whatever you write. It doesn't matter if at first you'll commit a lot of grammatical errors. What matters is you have the intention to improve and seek help from those whom you think can help you improve.

3) Learn a new word everyday and use it in a sentence. You may use the word by writing a sentence on a piece of paper or by conversing with someone.

4) Expose yourself to different styles of writing. Try not to limit your taste to what you have been stuck with for years. If you're into romance novels, try non-fiction for a change. If you're into comedy, try a history book. If you've been reading Abante or Hustler for years, check out the Wall Street Journal or Time to keep that libido in place and not go awry.

5) Improve your grammar in cyberspace by checking out sites regarding English or whatever language you use to write. Test yourself by reading the posts of members in a board and try to see if you can spot an error. Keep your criticisms to yourself if you want to avoid the wrath of the entire forum community.

6) Be your own worst critic. If you've just finished writing an essay, read and re-read then re-read all the sentences that you've written. Edit more than once because as Jacqueline Susann's book title goes, Once is not Enough. Or as my favorite writing motto goes, "Write in white heat; revise in cold blood."

7) Start a collection of grammar books and writing manuals. Based on the experts, you would know whether Charles' or Charles's is right; whether '90s or 90s or even 90's is correct or whether Dear Sir/Madam or Dear Gentlemen is apt.

8) Attend writing workshops or seminars. If you have extra moolah, then go ahead and register in the workshops held in Intramuros in Manila or even Ayala in Makati. However, make sure that the one conducting the workshop/seminar is not just a good writer but a good speaker and a good teacher as well. Unfortunately, not all award-winners convey their writing tips well when they speak before an audience. Some of them are better read than heard. If that's the case, the money you spent wouldn't be worth it. You should've chosen a freebie workshop/seminar instead.

9) Have another pair of eyes examine your written product. In that way, you'll know if the product of your imagination is a *MASTERPIECE or a **MONSTERPIECE.

*MASTERPIECE - a finished piece of literature that's gained you some reputation (not necessarily a Palanca award)

**MONSTERPIECE - a finished piece of litterture for clueless wannabe writers who hate listening to the advice of someone who has created a masterpiece

10) Swap written articles with a friend. You can blast each other's works for fun or praise them to boost both your egos. Ahihihi.

11) Network with other writers or would-be writers. In this way, you can gain different insights and be exposed to different forms and styles of writing. You would know what works and what sucks, what hits and what bombs. Try to meet other writers or would-be writers in public places like restaurants. You can always proofread the menu cards and look for misspelled words or wrong grammar. Ahihihi.

12) Join and register in http://laboratoryo.invisionplus.net

*On a personal note, when I feel that my alphabetical muses have been buried alive in the literary graveyard, I would pry open their coffins by reading aloud funny grammar books or reciting Woody Allen gems. Ideas would suddenly gush out until I couldn't control them anymore. Then I wind up staying in my room and convincing myself not to write any more writing tips.