As a new writer, it is easy to believe that seasoned writers merely sit down at the keyboard and the beautiful words flutter onto the page, creating the perfect combinations. However, writing is a skill that needs constant development, and even an experienced crafter of elegant words and sentences and stories needs practice.
So, it may be fairly obvious that writing exercises for beginners are so important. Every writer should practice their skills even when they are working as a writer. However, beginners are not likely to have consistent work or practice, so it is even more pertinent to hone your skills as a beginner, and writing exercises are key to your success.
The most important advice to new writers is to just write. Every day. Whenever you get a chance. Keep a pen and notepad close by or type it out on your phone, but just keep writing.
I know, you are screaming at this, saying you have absolutely no idea what to write about and you just sit there with your pen poised above the page, hovering like an eagle searching for its prey.
Yet, nothing comes to mind. You sit and wonder what could be important enough to write about. The simple truth is that everything is important enough to write about, because great writers will make the most boring situation exciting on paper.
Well, you aren’t there yet and it is not as simple as it sounds, but by going through the exercises I have rounded up for you, you will always have something to write about. No matter where you are, you can find inspiration.
This article will just tell you where and how to look for it. If you follow these techniques, you will be able to consistently practice your craft and become a better writer. So, get out your favorite note-taking app or your trusty pen and paper, and write down these tips.
What Is Writing: A Skill or Talent?
Often, writing can be confused as being a talent. When you read the works of the great authors throughout history, it is no surprise to be thinking their command of words, grammar, and sentences is just too great to be attained by just anyone.
However, writing is not necessarily a talent. Some people will argue that some writers are born talented and just have that writing gene instilled in them. However, we all have the ability to read and to write.
You could still argue that writing is easier for some more than others. However, those who have a way with words were likely scribbling away in the back of their workbook during lessons at school or writing daily in their journal.
It all comes down to practice. The more you write, the better you become. And it isn’t all about only writing practice; you can look to improve your skill by taking courses, watching videos, and following blogs to learn new tips and techniques—like the one you are reading now.
So yes, some people will always have the ability to be better writers because their brains are wired in such a way that allows the words to link up in ways no-one would ever dream of linking them.
But, this is the same with sports or music. There will always be someone with a little more stamina or a better rhythm. The key to being a great writer here is the same, and even writers who have a better handle on words will stumble if they lack passion.
Passion: the drive that gets you from good to great to inspirational. Having a passion for the way letters come together so wildly to create vivid scenes and events will help you reach the level of writer you dream of.
I’ve already given you the two p’s that will lead you to a successful career in writing. Passion and practice. If you are not committed to those two notions, then you should read on anyway; maybe you will find some passion hidden away in these words.
Being a writer also involves having skills that are not directly related to writing, as well as having writing type skills. Use this table to determine which skills you possess and which ones you may need to improve on:
| Non-writing skills | Tick | Writing skills | Tick |
| Discipline | Grammatical skills | ||
| Adaptability | Compositional skills | ||
| Communication skills | Sentence structure | ||
| Research skills | Editing and rewriting | ||
| Thick skin | Good reading comprehension | ||
| Organizational skills | Understanding punctuation |
Types of Writing
Before we get you started on the various methods you can use to practice your writing, you should know what type of writing you want to learn more about and practice. If you don’t have a specific type of writing you feel drawn to, try them all and see which one clicks.
Descriptive
Descriptive writing is just as the name implies. It is the style of writing that captivates the readers. It takes them on a journey through the ebbs and flows of words and sentences and the details of the insignificant points; well, you thought it was insignificant before you read it described in so much detail.
This type of writing will enthrall all your senses, taking you along the journey of the character in such a way that you believe you are there. Your senses are engaged by the rhythm of the words as it perfectly intertwines similes, metaphors, and the art of showing, not telling.
Expository
This type of writing has the important purpose of providing the reader with information. Necessary facts the readers want to know. Explaining the knowledge can be exciting despite the informative nature of this writing.
It should rather use other styles of writing to convey the information in creative or well-thought-out ways. If the reader has learned something new by the end of it, then it has done its job. Hopefully, that’s how you will feel at the end of this article.
Persuasive
Persuasive writing is aimed at getting the reader motivated to act in a way chosen by the writer. This type of writing is commonly found in copywriting where the text is positioned to motivate the reader to go out and buy a product or utilize a service.
This form of writing uses catchy phrases to get you hooked, provides factual information to gain the reader’s trust, and then uses various techniques of persuasion to finish the sale.
Narrative
Narrative writing tells a story to the reader and hooks them in with the desire to find out what happens next. This writing is commonly found in fiction writing, and although there are different types of narration, it is often told through one or more of the characters.
The formula for this writing is to include a plot, a setting, a rise in action, the climax followed by a falling action, and lastly, the resolution. The way the writer crafts these elements scattered with twists and shocks is what makes a great narrative writer.
Technical Writing
This type of writing is used when you need to write about subjects in the technical fields such as computer software, engineering, chemistry, finance, medical, and biotechnology among others.
This style of writing requires the writer to understand the subject matter in order to convey and explain the necessary information in a way that audiences, without too much knowledge on the subject, will understand.
Poetic Writing
Poetic writing uses the elements of poetry within a longer piece, whether it is an essay or a novel. The purpose of this writing is to change the tempo of your writing and offer beautiful sentences that flow, taking the reader on a journey.
For this type of writing, you will need to dabble in expressions of poetry by including metaphors, similes, and hyperboles into your text. Your sentences should also remain short and simple, rather than overstuffed with big words and unnecessary phrases.
Tips When Becoming a Writer
Becoming a professional writer requires a lot of effort on your part and honing your various skills is necessary to becoming a writer who can earn a living. It is a rewarding industry, and once you jump over the hurdles at the beginning, writing will become a smooth glide over the keyboard.
No matter how good at writing you become or how much you are getting paid to write, you will always need to keep practicing and improving your writing skills. As a beginner, here are a few simple tips to get you going. And you will probably find that years down the line, you will have made many of these tips into habits that still benefit you along your writing journey.
Learn to read better to improve your editing skills and vocabulary. Reading continuously will help you learn how to better command written words to express your desired meaning, both consciously and subconsciously.
Overcoming your fear of failure and developing a thick skin is a must in the writing world. Not everyone will enjoy your stories or your style, and some critics will harshly lambast your writing. You will need to move past this, listen to constructive criticism, and revel in your fans’ praise rather.
Forget about perfectionism, because it will prevent you from finishing anything. A lot of writers, especially at the beginning, aim to make their writing perfect and get stuck on first sentences, paragraphs, and chapters when trying to curate the ultimate sentence.
If you wait for the perfect words or sentences, you will never get started (… or you will never finish that article or novel). Writing can never really be perfect, but the true skill in writing is going over your first draft and ruthlessly editing it until it sparkles and is ready to be shared with others.
A few other common tips include:
- Act like a successful writer
- Write every day
- Watch, read, and think like a writer
- Write for one—ideal—reader (they can be imaginary)
- Keep a notebook for all your ideas, no matter how random they are
- Be creative
- Write where there are no distractions
- Have confidence in yourself
If you don’t want to hear it from me, then let Stephen King give you some tips:
Top Exercises to Get Started
Well, this is what you came here for and here it is. All those people and seasoned writers telling you to just write and practice, practice, practice. All those times you’ve been stuck wondering what to actually write about or where to start.
Choose your favorites from these writing exercises and utilize them as often as you possibly can. While you are commuting, when you are waiting for an appointment, even as soon as you wake up in the morning. You can never overdo it.
General Writing Exercises
1. Freewriting is one of the most common exercises used by writers. In sports, athletes always need to warm up before competing or playing matches. Writers should do the same before writing, and you can stretch your writing muscles by freewriting.
To freewrite, you need to find your medium of choice, whether it is your laptop, phone, or pen and paper, and just write. Start writing whatever is in your mind and just follow your thoughts while scribbling them down. It doesn’t matter how disjointed these thoughts are or if they don’t make sense; just get them down.
When freewriting, you should time yourself. Anywhere between 15 minutes to 40 minutes is ideal, and during that time, make sure you’re not distracted by anything. Simply write. Don’t pause to think or worry about spelling, grammar, or anything else. Just write.
2. The ABCs method is a fun way to get your brain working and your creative muscles stretched out. This exercise may be tricky when you first start, but soon you will be flying through the alphabet.
To start this exercise, write your first sentence starting with the letter “A.” Your second sentence must start with the letter “B,” then “C,” then “D,” and so on until you reach “Z.” See where your story takes you using this method.
3. Start a blog and create your own brand through this. Starting a blog is quite simple and you can easily start a free account online using platforms such as Wix or WordPress. Find a genre or niche that interests you and base your blog around this.
Start posting blogs regularly and then start sharing them on social media or with friends and family to get some feedback on your writing. You can always redo your blog at a later stage if you decide to change direction with it. It could even lead to some income opportunities.
4. Writing prompts are a great way to practice your writing skills. This exercise starts with either a word or a sentence you must use to create a story. The prompt is created to start up your creative thinking by giving you a starting point.
This minimizes the problem of not knowing what to write about when practicing. You can draw up a list of prompts to use whenever you need one, or you can get some great writing prompt ideas online.
5. Revising someone else’s work will help you pick up on things you should do when writing, as well as things you shouldn’t do. Reading other writers’ work allows you to be more critical about what they may have done wrong as well as right.
First, read what they have written while taking notes. After a few days, go back to your notes and try to rewrite the article or passage (for yourself and for practice). Once you have done this, go back to the original and see where you could have done better, or what you could’ve added in.
Creative Writing Exercises
If fiction is your passion or you just want to get your creative ideas flowing, follow these writing exercises.
6. Senses exercises will help you incorporate all the senses in your writing. To do this, choose any writing prompt, and then write your page or story using each sense. Taste, smell, sight, hearing, and touch should all be included here.
Think of what your character feels when they are walking. Is the air chilly? Is there an ominous presence around this character? Be as descriptive as you can. However, when writing, you shouldn’t go overboard with this; remember to show, not tell.
7. Emotions exercise is similar to the senses one, but here you are including the characters’ emotions and thoughts more vividly. Express the emotions you would be feeling if you were in your story.
Move away from happy, sad, and excited. Be more creative and show the reader the feelings through facial expressions and body language. Also, use deeper emotions such as blissful elation over excitement.
8. Write someone else’s story to energize your creative thinking. Take a story you heard among your friends or during a comedy show and write it from your perspective. Add some more details and see where the story can take you.
Describe the characters from the original story in detail, even if you weren’t given much detail. Create their persona and emotions throughout the story.
9. Write a what-if story based on anything you wish. Often we sit and wonder what-if at least some time in our lives and this is a great starting base for a story. You can choose a personal what-if from your own life and journey along with the possible outcomes of it.
You could also create a new what-if, such as “what if aliens landed on the earth tomorrow” or “what if Steve Jobs never created Apple.” Be imaginative here and see what new world you create in your writing.
Nonfiction Writing Exercises
If you desire the cold-hard facts and prefer writing from a factual perspective, here are some tips to get your mind prepared for this style of writing. Include some research in these exercises to practice your research skills.
10. Write a how-to on something interesting. Choose a topic you are not familiar with and do your research to teach yourself something new. Once you understand it, create a simple how-to piece for someone who would like to learn this.
Look up some how-to blogs to get the structure and main points of informational pieces such as this. Remember to break down complex ideas into their simplest form for any reader to understand.
Now, use your expertise and write about something you do know. If you already have an understanding of a hobby, sports, or a musical instrument, imagine you are writing a piece for beginners in that field. Craft a well-thought-out and detailed guide.
Conduct extra research on some things you aren’t familiar with and explain these points, as well as what you already know. Read it afterward from a beginner’s perspective and consider whether someone can learn from this.
11. Write letters to anyone you wish you could write a letter to. It doesn’t have to be someone whom you can send it to but rather just write as if you were going to send it. Think of some famous writers or your role models, and write what you wish you could say to them.
If you are able, you could look for a real pen pal to whom you can write and send letters. Be careful about how you find your pen pal and don’t give out your personal information if you haven’t verified that they are trustworthy. Use a P.O. address if possible.
12. Write a research piece for a journal or a well-known magazine. You can even write something for an imaginary publication focusing on the topic you choose. It doesn’t have to be written as though it will be published, but practicing research-styled writing will always benefit you.
Even fiction writers will benefit from understanding research since a lot of research is needed to create great works of fiction. Use general guidelines for writing a research paper and see what you come up with.
Online Resources for Writers
Now that you are ready to get practicing with these exercises, there are plenty of resources online to help you along your journey to becoming a great and paid writer. Use these platforms and programs during your exercises, and some of them will definitely end up on your bookmarked favorites:
- Grammarly will help you during your editing process by picking up any misspellings, as well as grammatical and punctuation errors. It will also alert you if you are being too wordy or misusing a word. And this is all available on the free account!
If you want a more in-depth editing addon, you can look at the paid subscriptions. Grammarly works as a Google addon, in emails, or it can be added to your Microsoft Word document.
- NaNoWriMo is a platform aimed to help writers finish their novels. The name stands for National Novel Writing Month (and NaNoWriMo typically takes place during November each year) and it holds you accountable for working on your novel each day of the month by allowing you to track your progress, connect with other writers, and set your own goals.
- Medium is a community of brilliant writers and it offers you a platform to have your writing published on. You can sign up as a contributor and start getting your work out there, or you can access all the articles it offers with a paid subscription.
It will unlock a world of knowledge as the topics range from and to just about anything, including some great writer tips. If your article performs well, you can join the partner’s program and earn some money for your work.
- Wattpad is similar to Medium, but where Medium focuses largely on nonfiction articles, Wattpad is structured more for creative fiction writing.
The platform is also continuously on the hunt for unknown talent, and if your story is bold enough, the platform may connect you with some big names in the entertainment industry. Some of their partners are Hulu, Syfy, and Sony Pictures.
- WordPress and Wix are both website platforms aimed at allowing beginners to start their own website without needing to understand coding.
WordPress offers a more complex platform allowing users to either choose a simple free template to base their design on,or if users want a more unique site, they can include their own coding if they have the basic knowledge for it. It offers a simple and free blogging platform to get any beginner started right away.
Wix is slightly more user-friendly as it offers the options to build your own website from scratch without requiring you to do any coding. However, this limits your ability to be more creative and unique. Wix also offers a user-friendly blogging platform for free.
Since you can never have too many apps to help you write more efficiently, here are a few more:
Writing Exercises for Beginners FAQs
1. How can I stimulate my writing?
Creating an ideal writing space can help you stimulate your writing by telling your mind it is time to get creative. Build a specific spot for writing in a distraction-free room, choose the right music, and keep looking for inspiration in your daily life.
2. How can I practice writing every day?
Making writing a daily habit is a good way to ensure you are continuously writing. Do this by consciously setting up writing times each day. It can be a journal entry as soon as you wake up or use writing prompts to help you be creative in the evening. Be sure to set a daily word count goal as well.
One Last Tip: Be Creative
Since you have read this far, you are already on your way to becoming a great writer. Continue to read as much as possible and be sure to read at least one piece of writing each day as well as writing something every day.
You can master this skill and improve your ability. All it takes is consistent work, and I can’t stress this enough, believing in yourself. You have to believe you are a great writer to be a great writer.
A lot of practice, a touch of talent, and a whole lot of hard work are what you need. Being a writer can easily be accomplished this way. Create those sentences that roll off the page. Delve into the minds and hearts of your characters. Everything should be sprinkled with your own emotions and passions.
Now it’s your turn, check out the paragraph above and see if you can do a better job. (Tip: I’ve used one of the writing methods I mentioned … do you know which?)
But before you do, here is a more challenging writing challenge: listen to The Wanted’s song I’m Glad You Came. Look out for how the chorus uses the last word of each sentence as the first word of the next sentence.
Can you create something similar?