From Scribbles to Standouts: How to Write Better
I used to spend hours rewriting essays to find the perfect mix of tones, words, and structure. I could never seem to find that perfect balance that so many of my favorite authors seemed to grasp so effortlessly. Spoiler: it wasn’t their big words or their long sentences that stood out; it was their strategy. So, if you have ever stared at a blank page and thought “Where do I even start?” – you’re not alone. The truth is, writing well isn’t about being born with talent. It’s about learning strategies and practicing consistently. Let’s break down how to turn your scribbles to standout writing.
The Foundation of Good Writing
Whether you are writing an essay, an email, or even a simple social media caption, your words shape how others see you. But, what does writing well even mean? First, your reader should never have to work to understand what you mean. Clarity beats complication every time. So, instead of choosing uncommon words that your audience will not understand, choose words that fit your writing and your readers. Second, you want to focus on structure. Think of writing like building a house. Without a strong foundation, it all collapses. This means that your writing should have organization and a common idea throughout. No one wants to read a story that starts with dragons and ends with mermaids. Last, build your style. Craft your writing to fit a consistent tone or theme. For example, if you want your writing to feel moody, add vocabulary that describes that feeling: dark, gloomy, morose. You need to build a picture for your reader, no matter what you are writing about.
Practical Strategies to Write Better
Read More, Write More
Through reading, you are exposed to different writing styles, vocabulary, and tones. This can not only expand your own writing, but it can also grow your comprehension skills.
Tip: Copy down a sentence you admire from a book and rewrite it in your own words.
2. Plan Before You Write
To keep your writing structured and comprehensive, you need to plan before you write. Jot down your main idea or purpose for your writing and 2-3 points that support it. From there, you can structure your writing to read smoothly and comprehensively.
Example: Before an essay, write your thesis in one sentence. That becomes your “north star.” Follow this thesis to the very end.
3. Strong Thesis / Main Idea
Every piece of writing should have one clear purpose. Not only does this need to be extremely clear through your writing, but it also needs to be strong enough to have 2-3 points that can support it.
Exercise: After writing, ask yourself: can I sum up my piece in one sentence? If not, it’s not focused enough.
4. Use Evidence & Explanation
After forming your thesis, you need evidence to back it up. Don’t just drop facts – explain why they matter.
Example: Instead of “Social media affects teens,” say “Social media affects teens by shaping their self-esteem, because likes and comments often become measures of self-worth.”
5. Choose Words With Purpose
As explained before, your word choice needs to fit your writing and your audience. Swap your weak verbs, nouns, and adjectives for stronger, more descriptive ones. In some writing, you might need a more concise and direct tone, so choose less descriptive words. Additionally, avoid filler words such as “really,” “very,” and “just.”
Example: Instead of “She was very angry,” try “She slammed the door.”
6. Revise Ruthlessly
Your first draft will be messy, but that’s okay! Make sure to revise your writing multiple times. I recommend reviewing it yourself multiple times, then asking a trusted person to look over it, too. Check for grammar, word choice, spelling, etc.
Tip: After writing, cut 10% of your words. You’ll usually find fluff you don’t need.
Ways to Practice Outside of School
How can you improve consistently, even when it’s not for a grade?
Daily Journaling: Write 5 minutes about your day — no pressure, just practice.
Summarize Articles/Books: Take a news article and explain it in 3 sentences. It builds clarity.
Micro-Writing: Challenge yourself to explain something complex in one sentence.
Example: Summarize “Romeo and Juliet” in a single sentence.Peer Feedback: Share with a friend and ask: “What’s one part that confused you?”
Writing better isn’t about being perfect. It’s about showing up, practicing, and refining. Every sentence you write is a chance to sharpen your thinking. And the more you practice, the stronger your voice can become. I encourage you to pick one strategy from this post and try it this week. You’ll be surprised at how much better your writing feels.
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Drop the strategy that you are using this week in the comments below!
RISE. LEAD. SUCCEED.
Love,
Juliet & Study Strong