Improving Writing Skills

What must one do in order to be a successful writer? I believe one must possess the ability to write well! Few have the luxury of being born with such an ability, but we all have the ability to improve our writing skills. However, we must be willing to put forth the time, and effort, to improve the abilities we already possess!
Do you like to read? I ask this question because many people who write well are people who read on a regular basis! Mr. Trimble, my English 101 professor, once said that people who cannot read cannot write! He stressed the importance of reading! Mr. Trimble did not care if you read newspapers, novels, comic books, or the list of ingredients on a beer can! Reading exercises the mind. Reading the works of great authors may allow you to see what those authors did that made them great! Also, reading the works of others may answer any questions you have about grammar!
One way to easily improve your writing skills is by broadening your vocabulary! No, you do not need to memorize a dictionary in order to do so! However, it would not be a bad idea to include a pocket dictionary, thesaurus, and quick reference grammar book in your library. You should be able to find all three of these books, as a set, at a local bookstore or Wal-Mart. Also, do not forget about the thesaurus feature on your computer. I placed a shortcut on my desktop which gives me instant access to the Merriam-Webster web site, and I must say the web site offers tremendous help to writers! You may also search the Internet in order to find an institution that offers creative writing courses. However, most of the courses offered by these institutions are grossly expensive!
A writer does not necessarily need a computer, or Internet access, to produce decent work! Yet, a writer does need a proper work area in order to produce decent work! One must also view their writing as serious work! Writing is fun. Writing is therapeutic. Successful writing, however, is also a job. Additionally, like any other job, successful writing requires tremendous work ethic! Find a quiet place in your home when you begin to write. Establish a certain amount of time that you will be able to contribute to your writing with as little interruptions as possible! Then, simply begin writing. It does not matter if you are using a computer or notebook and pen! What matters is that you are writing with a purpose!