Last week, I pivoted from encouraging people to read to discussing one of the most enduring benefits of reading —writing.

I mentioned that reading does not just expand our minds, it also sharpens our ability to express ideas clearly and persuasively in writing. I thank those who responded to that piece and shared their opinions on the importance of writing. One of my readers admitted they were unable to write satisfactory (by their own standards) messages, including emails, while another person said they were a better speaker than writer. I am happy that this person is willing and ready to work on their writing skills, because good speakers would be even better at it when they can arrange their thoughts on paper ahead of time. Ultimately, we must remember that the major secret of every good writer is devoted reading; reading is the quiet seed from which writing blossoms. There can be no alternative!

So, if you asked my opinion about how to sharpen your writing skills, I suggest that you read more! I have not met a committed reader who finds writing intimidating or problematic. Even when they don’t set out to write, the abundance of words and ideas they’ve soaked up from reading spills over like water forcing its way out of a gushing pipe at the slightest opportunity. To avoid situations when blank pages stare back at you like a mirror, daring you to put words on them, start to cultivate the reading habit today. The more you read, the easier words come to you when you need to write, and that may happen at any time!

And in reading, I have a few tips for you, especially if you are one of those people who hope to write seriously. You should pay attention to the kind of things you want to write. Do you want to write essays, short stories, poems or full-scale fiction? You read successful writers in your genre of interest and how they express their idea, the tone with which they write, their choice of words and their rhythm. I have seen this work firsthand as a young journalist. As you work to develop a healthy reading habit, there are at least two other things I would suggest. They are as follows:

Start small.

Take baby steps in your bid to become a better writer. Writing is a skill you will most certainly need at some stage in your life, so why don’t you begin to build the block now? So, start small. You don’t need to write a book to be a writer. Writing, like every meaningful craft, grows from small, consistent actions. Start by writing a paragraph, which may be about anything from a reflection about something you just learnt, a conversation that has stayed with you or a situation you just faced at work. You could even start by summarising one of those books that you just read, or writing a note to the editor of a newspaper in reaction to a news item that you read in the papers or some situation in society. Including these experiences or opinions in your own work is the beginning of your journey, and you should be proud to do so.

Remember that the goal isn’t perfection; it’s progress —maybe slow but steady. Every line you write sharpens your ability to think clearly, communicate meaningfully, and connect authentically. Even the most accomplished writers began with hesitant sentences and unfinished thoughts. What mattered wasn’t how much they wrote, but that they started and kept going. You should do the same. Over time, those small pieces will become pages, and the pages will begin to tell stories that resonate as long as you remain true.

Be Consistent

Like reading, writing also rewards consistency. No one becomes a better writer by waiting for the perfect mook or a sudden gush of inspiration or spark of brilliance before getting to work. You grow and get better by showing up even when the words feel ordinary or clumsy.

Set a small, realistic routine. It could be ten minutes every morning, a short reflection at the end of your day, or a weekly note on something you’ve observed or learned. The act of returning to the page regularly builds discipline and deepens your voice.

Over time, consistency transforms hesitation into habit. You begin to find a rhythm in your thoughts, you see confidence in your expression and use of words, and before you realise it, you start to enjoy the process. Even if you do just one paragraph or one line a day, accept that as progress and ensure you return to it without fail on the next appointed day. The important thing is not how much you write but that you keep at it.

Aim to be Clear, Not to Impress

Understand from the outset that your motive should be clarity and not impressing anyone. Do not deceive yourself into believing that the best writings are those filled with big words or complex sentences. On the contrary, the writings that communicate ideas with simplicity and grace resonate more with reason. So, when you put your ideas in writing, your aim should be to express yourself clearly, not to impress. Be deliberate about simplicity because it makes your message more powerful, especially when you are just starting.

Share

There’s no point writing pieces that will never see the light of day. Save yourself from that imposter complex that imprisons you and makes you think that your writing isn’t good enough for the public. The truth is, you will never know unless you share them. However, as a first step, you could share your draft with more experienced writers within your network. And maybe finding a network of writers can encourage you, which is another tip I should give you. Please take note of that, but the point I am making here is that you can share your draft with one or two more experienced people. Then, go ahead and share your pieces with the target audience. Sharing helps you build confidence; it shows you that your ideas and words matter. The feedback you are likely to get refines you.

So, here’s my challenge for you this week:

Pick one idea that has stayed with you and write one paragraph about it. Let’s see you take that first step today; you do not need to wait for tomorrow.

And if you’d like guidance on developing your writing habit or you are contemplating turning your reflections or experiences into a book, I’d be glad to walk that journey with you. Just hit “reply” — let’s shape it together.