How do you improve your writing?

[stepbystep]

Hello all,

I wonder what workshops/ habits/ advices.... you follow to improve your writing skills?

 

I am having some issues translating my thoughts into proper academic english ( well yes, English is my 4th language, but it is never an excuse). Writing centers at university offer basic workshops.

 

 

[Roll Right]

I constantly write, everyday. And I re-write what I wrote previously so it reads better. I still have trouble expressing my thoughts, and English is my first language.

[trogdorburninator]

If you have friends/colleagues whose writing you enjoy, don't be afraid to ask for friendly peer editing. 

[smg]

Practice and reading help.  If you want to write well you need to know what good writing looks and sounds like.  

[SOCphd15]

I agree with Roll Right. Engage your peers and mentors on their writing styles to learn how they approach writing. You can always integrate, change, or disregard someone else's approach, but it's helpful to figure out what best works for you. 

Edited November 21, 2014 by TMHSocPhD

[stepbystep]

thank you for replying

[qeta]

I think the absolute best thing I've done in my Master's program was to join a graduate writing group. It has a few people from across the range of humanities and social sciences disciplines. We meet every week/every other week and critique each other's writing assignments, theses, dissertations, etc., in a civilized and helpful way. If your university has a group like that, I absolutely suggest you join. This is also the forum where you can face-to-face ask senior students all of your "I'm a first-year student - please help"-type questions about how to write, organize, or integrate your lit review, alternative hypotheses you're rejecting, etc..

Edited December 2, 2014 by qeta

[theoryoftheories]

I find that modeling my writing on my favorite author(s) is really helpful. If they have a style that is articulate, particularly persuasive, clear, and concise, I try and emulate it. I think this might actually be the oldest trick in the book. No pun intended.