Writing for practice...blogging, myLot, anything...

Practice makes perfect. I do feel good about the fact that I'm writing something instead of wasting around doing nothing. The brain needs constant stimulation to stay on top of its game and writing/reading are the among the methods to exercise the brain.

Participating in blogs or discussions can be a good way to practice your writing skills. However, make sure that you write formally. There were so many people that doesn't spell out their replies. Here in our country, people are so used to "text lingo". They sometimes tend to write this way (words are shortened or some words are eliminated so long as the thought is still there). And i think its not a healthy thing. For you to become an effective writer, i suggest you practice writing formally. Also, try to read a lot. It'll help you construct a good paragraph. =)

I have maintained a blog site (www.dragonmojo.com) since 2002 and am thoroughly dismayed at the poor use of English grammar in America. I admit that I make my fair share of mistakes, but what surprises me even more are those who speak in public (e.g. news anchors) who set bad examples with their improper use of the English language. Too often they use passive sentences, and commit a cardinal sin (in my book) by inappropriately using the pronoun "I" where it should have been "me". I try to keep my skills polished by doing the daily New York Times Crossword puzzles, Jumble (anagram puzzle) and Cryptoquotes (popular quotations that are encrypted using simple letter-substitution ciphers). I also surf the Internet to increase my knowledge, and by doing plenty of reading I will hopefully improve my writing skills. I enjoy playing with words and find haiku an intriguing form of poetry. I believe the entertainment industry is culprit for introducing sloppy grammar into our society. This, and as one commenter pointed out, the technological introduction of text-messaging has made short work of expressing oneself. On the other hand, trying to listen to a Woody Allen diatribe can be excrutiatingly boooring. So write. Write often. And to paraphrase an old John Cusak film, write anything.

I agree that one should write and practice very often in order to become a good writer. And ye, ANYTHING counts. :)Mylot is a great venue to practice our writing skills. It's okay to make mistakes sometimes because of typos, but I think one should always double check their responses before posting. Others, in the hope to do numerous posts, just type away without checking. One way of practicing good writing is proofreading your work afterwards. I also read once that in order to develop one's creative writing, upon rising, get a pen and paper and just write what comes to your mind first. Don't mind spelling, punctuations and all that stuff. Just write and write.

I've been a "writer" most of my life, and published on occasion. What I sense is that "success" is relative. Improving skills, expanding knowledge of words and their useage are two very valid reasons to be prolific. Certainly Profit should never be the vehicle that drives a writer, as I explain in other posts in the category. One important reason for me at least, to write often, is This language; one of the confusing on the planet. I enjoy words, and the various words that can create the same meanings or images for a writer, in a description, and more importantly for a reader. EXAMPLE: If one happened to write even a short story, and used the same word, to describe the scene or event, multiple times, that writer risks losing his audience. The use of a descriptive word for instance, should be explored and as many variations found as possible in the descriptions throughout the piece. SHARP: Hmmm. Once a language is learned; the various words of it learned as they form a context; the ways those words are most often used, appropriately; is hardly something the average person forgets. The act of USING the language is what keeps us active within it. Technical Aspects: "They Matter!!!" when one expects to actually PROFIT from any body of work. One of the problems with the WWW is that we are all using levels of "slang" and shorthand" That isn't to say those are BAD; but at some point can be confusing to a "newbie", for example. I wasn't an Eglish major in College, nor have I ever engaged in "Typing 101" BUT WRITING is a Passion for me. Expressing and sharing are the goals. For those to be stifled, just because I use a WEBSTERS, or depend on spell check, isn't allowed, in my world.

Yes, I do feel like sites, including sites like MyLot, help writers and are good practice. I am going to school for journalism, so I like writing and talking to people on a regular basis. It does make me feel good to know that I'm getting some practice, but it doesn't make me feel good when I know that my spell/grammar/syntax is really bad. That defeats the purpose of practicing, if you ask me!

yes, being here in mylot is not only a brain exercise for me, it also develops my writing skills. it's true what they say, practice makes perfect. and sites like mylot and other blogsites are good sites to play on.

I find when I write even on Sites such as this, it is to help keep my Writing skills sharp, and keep my mind moving. Actually, I always tend to find myself Reading short articles and such trying to gain knowledge in things I might need to know more about, and even Write about later. I even Love to Watch the News and movies, TV Shows, etc. to get some ideas. You can learn a lot about things when you choose to make your mind Active in all we do.

I adhere to this mantra. In order to write well, one must be in constant practice. It is a proactive hobby or profession, whichever you choose. For me, writing is my life, whether I am blogging, writing articles, working on novels, or just relaxing here at myLot. Your grammer, spelling and stucture will evolve the more you write and the more you read. Reading is also crucial as it gives you a basis to strive for, and also increases your writing potential by showing you different forms.

I think it's true. If you write & practice constantly, the more you can make your writing sharp. Like here in my lot, everytime I reply to a discussions, I practice my writing skills and widens my vocabulary. So I think constant practice in writing will truly help you be a successful writer someday.

I don't really feel good while writing just anything..I tend to feel more rewarded when I write in my online journal, write an article for a website, or write a story. Anything else is just practice to me..and gets tiresome after a while..but practice is practice and Goddess knows I need it. I feel that if I don't somehow keep writing I'll get rusty. And being at the top of my game now, I don't want that to happen, not forgetting the fact I never feel truly happy unless I can write something, create something everyday. So far I haven't done too shabby with this habit, so it must be good for something at least.

I heard this too. I think its great to comment on MyLot to help me write better. Plus if I wanted to the topics covered on here at times are so varied sometimes that it would make good ways to start stories. I'd say MyLot is good. I love blogging, almost daily. I keep a diary since December and TRYING to keep it going. Its how I am! I am a writer and working to get something actually published. Keep writing, no matter what. I'm sure it truly all does help! :))

In school I was told by my teacher that if I want to make my writings good I should create my own diary and write in it daily. Back then internet was not so popular and I think that blogging was not introduced back then. But now we can blog instead of writing down with the help of pen and a paper. Blogging or writing online helps a lot in improving our writing. I have been writing and responding online for years now and I have to say that it helped me a lot in my real life.

Yes just keep writing .Its good to respond to stuff.I have started blogging about a month ago and am enjoying it.I do have to watch my spelling but I think that is good for me as it improves what I write.

Good question. You know, I never thought about writing in that sense. Yet, I do have to agree with you. I feel like by answering these discussion questions it helps keep my mind going. Further, it helps me to think deeper. I also believe that reading my help a person's writing ability. Reading these discussion boards opens my mind to new subjects and new understandings and different points of views.

As it is with everything else, practice makes perfect. I find that writing in my blog helps me release some stress. I have 2 personal blogs. One that I keep anonymous from the world, and I usually only type there when I need to rant or just type "make it go away" over and over again and post it. Very therapeutic.

I am a writer and I also believe that you should write every day...even if its just a paragraph... Even if no one is going to see it, just free write :-)

I spend hours on MyLot, and I have a blog too, although I haven't been writing on my blog so much recently, thanks to MyLot lol. We're supposed to keep our brains stimulated and active, and reading and writing especially come in handy there. I love both reading AND writing and so thats really not an issue for me. I have a hunger for knowledge, and for learning more and more. Reading and writing help me with that without a shadow of a doubt.

I do feel that blogging and writing on myLot and Helium keep my writing sharp. I'm reminded everytime I find myself searching for a word that I need more writing practice.

I love writing and I have two blogs, plus I contribute to MyLot a lot. I think the key is to practice wtiting with the intention that other people will see it and read it. I used to have a journal in a regular notebook, but after a while I'd always lose interest in writing in it. Blogging and MyLot keep me writing consistently every day, and help me get feedback on my writing skills as well. Plus I can spread my name out a little bit, so maybe people will buy my novel! (Shamful plug: Go to Lulu.com and search for "Skye Blue")