Five websites that will help you write better

With no shortage of content on the web there’s plenty of writing inspiration to be found. Here are five websites that will help your writing.

We’ve never had so much access to great writing. Whilst I still love thumbing my way through a book or magazine, I do like getting up every morning and spending an hour making my way through all the material I am subscribed to. Here are five websites I subscribe to that improve my writing.

1. Daily Writing Tips

A key part to writing better is to do it every day. Mark obliges with daily tips to keep your writing sharp. A handy resource for your daily writing exercises or to file away for another day. One post that has been particularly useful to me recently is 75 Synonyms for “Cheat,” “Fraud,” or “Trickery”.

2. Positive Writer

Bryan doesn’t post as regularly as DWT but I find his posts pick me up when I am struggling with a draft or a blank page. He will sometimes challenge the common view – one recent example I liked was Why your first draft isn’t crap.

3. Bad Language

I have been reading Matthew’s blog for many years. His writing is punchy and sharp. He offers great advice: productivity tips, writing advice, dealing with journalists – and that’s only scratching the surface. It’s hard to pick just one article, but I think this is the article I found most useful when I was writing an annual report: 10 rules for perfect case studies.

4. Salon.com

To be a good writer you have to read. There’s no shortage of great news and commentary on the web, Salon is just one. The writing is excellent. Visit Salon a few times a week and you will write better.

5. Letters of Note

Letters of Note is a unique site with a wealth of fascinating material. I don’t quite remember how I came across it but I am glad I did. Typically Shaun posts a new letter written by someone famous every day. Many of the letters are penned by great writers. Things have slowed down recently whilst he finishes his book, but the archive is large and regular updates will resume soon. Here’s one from John Steinbeck to his old writing mentor.