From Apprentice to Arch-Mage: How to Improve as a Writer (for Free!)

Every writer secretly dreams of becoming the next insert-your-inspiration-here. Even if we claim we only write for fun, or that no one but us will ever read our words, that secret hope is still there.

Maybe we only share our writing with a few trusted people. Maybe we post anonymously online, or lock our writing away altogether, fearing the tidal wave of criticism that might wash over us. And yet, deep down, we still hope that if we ever find the courage to share it—our writing will blow minds.

Because even for “just a hobby”, a little praise still feels amazing. And that’s natural—everyone wants to be acknowledged.

The problem is that to be acknowledged, we need to be good. And oftentimes… we’re not. Or at least, not yet.

But here’s the thing—good writers are rarely born. They’re made.

Sure, a bit of natural inclination or a spark of talent can help you get started, but writing is still a skill that needs to be honed.

So how do you become a good writer? And is there a way to do it without getting a bachelor’s degree in literature?

The good news is that you don’t need an academic degree to become a good writer. And despite what every online guru might tell you—you don’t need to buy a magical course with “5 foolproof steps to unlocking your writing genius” either.

While a good course can definitely help, there are plenty of things you can do to improve your skills without spending a dime.

Let’s look at some ideas.

Read Like a Writer

It’s a known fact that while not all readers are writers, all writers are readers. It’s the love for words, the passion for books, the excitement of starting a new story—and the bittersweet sadness of finishing a great one—that spark the desire to write in the first place.

And while reading is often said to improve your vocabulary and fire up your imagination, there’s more to it than just getting lost in a story.

When we’re reading something we love, it’s easy to lose track of time. We do it almost on autopilot, our minds swept away by the images the words conjure. And while that’s a wonderful experience, it’s not the most effective way to improve your writing.

A famous person (whose name, sadly, I can’t remember) once said that every book should be read twice—and I believe that to be true. The first time you read for pleasure. The second time, you read to learn.

The idea is to slow down. Find the words that resonate with you. Notice the style—what makes this writer’s voice so compelling? Analyze scenes: what makes a conversation feel alive? Why does a certain moment tugs at your heart strings? Pay attention to the pacing and how major events are broken down and placed throughout the story.

Keep a notebook nearby when you read (I personally find that an old-fashioned notebook, especially for late-night reading in bed, works best) or take notes on your phone—whatever works best for you.

Read slowly and jot down your observations. Over time, you’ll build your own personal guidebook for your next novel or short story.

Ask for Feedback

If you’ve read Stephen King’s On Writing (and if you haven’t, I highly recommend it), you might remember his approach to feedback.

Not every comment about your story means there’s something wrong you need to fix. At the same time, ignoring all constructive criticism will keep you locked inside your personal echo chamber—and that will stall your growth as a writer.

So how do you know which feedback to accept and which to ignore?

According to Stephen King, the answer is looking for trends. The exact number of readers doesn’t really matter (though more is better). What really matters is whether several people point out the same thing.

Say that you asked three friends to read your book. Sally says the dialog between the two dragons in the forest drags on a bit too long. Kelly and Tammy don’t mention the dragon scene, but both say that the part where the goblin emerges from the sewers wasn’t entirely clear.

Which feedback should you prioritize? Probably the sewer scene.

Everyone has opinions—and in writing, there’s rarely a single “right” answer. But when multiple people flag the same problem, it’s worth paying attention.

Especially listen for feedback about two things:

• Clarity (your readers need to understand what’s happening)

• Interest (if readers get bored, they won’t keep reading)

Get Free Tips

There are tons of great resources for writers online—many of them completely free. You don’t have to pay a dime to start learning how to sharpen your craft.

I’ve spent a lot of time on Writer’s Digest, reading articles like 6 Point Character Building Process, How to Write More Compelling Dialog in Fiction, and How to Avoid Plot Cliches.

And Writer’s Digest isn’t the only one. Sites like Self-Publishing School also offer fantastic advice from experienced writers, editors and publishing professionals. If you’re willing to search, you’ll find plenty more.

You don’t need to reinvent the wheel. Learn from people who already have the knowledge and experience you’re aiming for, and you’ll start noticing writing nuances you might have missed before.

Write like the Wind

Write often—and finish what you start.

It may sound obvious, but it needs to be said—plant yourself in your chair (or stand, if that’s your thing) and write. Even if it feels clumsy. Even if you don’t like what comes out.

Only through writing do you learn what flows and what falters, how to pace events, and how to tie up loose ends. Completing your work teaches you to resolve plots and reveals that you have more control over the elusive muse than you might think.

Writing forces you to choose words carefully, plan scenes thoughtfully, and revise sentences repeatedly until they feel just right. These are the experiences that build the skills to reach the level you aspire to.

Summary

Becoming a good writer isn’t about following a clear path or having a fancy degree. It’s a journey of self-discovery, full of learning, observing, experimenting, and (for a while) being kind of terrible at it.

So read more (and take notes), find great sources online, don’t dismiss constructive criticism—and most importantly, put in the time and the work. If you do, you will become a great writer one day.

Now close this tab—although if you found this helpful, consider subscribing—and get to writing!