Self-reflection gives us the ability to give meaning to all of the things we do in our lives.
This includes writing.
Self-examination is important because it helps to develop our learning and our skills and reminds us that we cannot carry on in the same ways that we have before.
As a writer, I must say that from time to time I question myself to see how I can grow.
What are my weaknesses?
(I ask this question more than I ponder my strengths because I am not a native English speaker)
I know that I need to constantly develop and reevaluate my skills in the English language.
As I write, I noticed many flaws, but this year, I want to focus on lexicology.
I know various expressions that can be used to describe something, however, when I write, I tend to use very simple and common English expressions.
I use the same words numerous times (even though somewhere in my mind I know synonyms and other expressions that could make my style better).
I need to work on evolving past this “comfortable place” or I’ll never advance as a writer.
I read somewhere (I can’t remember where) that the peak of language acquisition is when a person can show that he/she is able to use what was once a foreign language throughout his/her own writing style.
You can tell a writer’s comfort with a language by the way he/she runs the language and plays with words, synonyms, phrases, etc.
I decided to develop this skill this year because (as I mentioned in a previous article) I am writing a novella.
If I do not grow more comfortable writing in English, this novella will not see the light of day.
I want my writing to be unforgettable, so I reflect, reevaluate, and redevelop.
To get better, of course, I must plan.
Reading is one of the best methods to use if you want to start redefining your writing style.
I have been told to read critically and observe the way that other writers tell their stories: how they describe characters, narrate events, write dialogue, etc.
By doing this type of research, I can pick out new tactics to try and new elements to mimic until I have created my own style, my own voice.
Reading is the best way for me to learn (as I was a linguistic student). I studied the scientific study of languages.
My studies taught me the general mechanics of the English language, but now it’s time to build on that foundation to create a style that is all my own.
