By: Ashley-Lynn Goldstein
This past weekend I was fortunate enough to attend the Library of Congress’s national book festival. Being an avid reader, it was like a little girl at Disney world. I didn’t know where to start. While at the festival I stopped by Jodi Picoult tent where she offered some great advice for the college students in the audience.
For those of you who are not avid readers as I am, Jodi Picoult has written a number of books. Her most popular book being My Sister’s Keeper, which was turned into a major motion picture starring Cameron Diaz.
Jodi gave these four tips to make writing in college easier.
- Read if you want to write. Jodi explained that reading is a great way to improve your writing skills. Personally, when I read I pick up grammar and style tips I can use to improve my own writing.
- It doesn’t matter what you read; just do it.
- Write often and frequently so you can do it on demand. How many times have you sat at your computer with a blank screen not knowing where to start. Well, Jodi explained that the best thing to do when you have a few free moments is to write. Write about anything and everything. It will help you be able to write what you need to write when you need to write it.
- You have to become your biggest critic. No matter what you are writing always critique it harshly. If you are your biggest critic you will never get a surprise grade again.
