I have been writing since 2017 but have taken it more seriously in 2021. I have learned quite a lot since then, and I wanted to share some tips I have learned/still learning. By the way, I am not a professional, just want to share what has helped me improve my prose!
Write every day. And I mean it, even if it is just a few sentences. Pinterest has a lot of writing prompts, even Tumblr. If I am not in the space to write one of my projects, I do writing exercises. If you don't want to use a writing prompt or an exercise, just free write. Write anything that comes to mind. It really helps to keep that writing muscle going. Practice different kinds of writing.
Reading. I know many other people have said this countless times but, it works. It helps to expand vocabulary and knowledge. (Especially with Classics). I developed my writing style from reading classics, and it has helped my writing tremendously. (By the way, you don't necessarily have to just read classics. Some writing styles from Classics are terrible! I mainly get my writing style from Oscar Wilde. He is my biggest inspiration. Also, James Baldwin. Consuming any book can help.)
Reading in the genre you want to create can help spark ideas, how to approach the genre, etc.
Also, some modern fiction has helped with my writing style as well, such as 'The Binding' by Bridget Collins.
Literally, just analyze them, learn their styles, and eventually you will evolve into your own style.
Show don't tell. Another one that is also been said countless times. Showing rather than telling also helped with my writing. Use descriptive language and sensory details. I often use thesaurus books or the onestopforwriters website.
Experiment with different genres and styles to find your voice.
Study writing. Watch youtube videos about writing, read books about writing, etc. Read writing guides.
Resources
✷ OneStopForWriters
✷ The Emotion Thesaurus - Angela Ackerman
✷ Rogets 21st Century Thesaurus in Dictionary Form
✷ The Character Trait Thesaurus - Angela Ackerman
✷ The Oxford Thesaurus - Mansoor Al Matrafi
✷ Writing Great Fiction - Dialogue, Gloria Kempton
✷ Writing Vivid Emotions - Rayne Hall
✷ The Strong Verb Thesaurus Banish Weak Verbs to Boost Your Writing Skills - Zoe Blessing
✷ The Art of Spiritual Writing. How to craft prose that engages and inspires readers - Vinita Hampton Wright
✷ Rural Setting Thesaurus - Angela Ackerman
✷ The Dialogue Thesaurus - Dahlia Evans
