If you’re just starting your writing journey, it can be overwhelming. Structure. Dialogue. Pacing. Character Arcs. There is so much to learn! And if you’re balancing other obligations like a full-time job and, you know, life, then you may be cramming writing into the quiet moments.

If you want to improve your writing skills, but are low on time, here are five FUN, SIMPLE, and QUICK ways to improve your writing skills.

1. Blogging

Yup, exactly what I’m doing here. A blog is a free, easy, and low-stress way to practice your writing skills. The best part is you can choose a topic that is comfortable for you, so you can focus on the writing rather than the content knowledge. For me that’s writing, but it can be about anything. Maybe you even document your writing journey to help other beginner writers and share advice.

Bonus: A blog develops a platform of readers now, before you write the next great American novel. Trust me, if you have any dreams of being a published author, you will need these readers.

2. Beta Reading

Did you know that writers need volunteers to read their unpublished manuscripts? That can be you! The only qualification is you have to enjoy reading and have at least some sense of what makes a good story.

When we read only published works, we see a polished story. But being a beta reader gives you a chance to see works in progress, flaws and all. If you can learn to identify the parts of a story that need work, then you will have the skills to write your own well crafted stories.

Bonus: Having a beta reader community is so helpful when it comes time to share your own writing. You’ll already have a group of trusted writing friends who you feel comfortable sharing your work with.

3. Book Club

If you want to write well, then you need to read well! Join or start a book club in your chosen genre then analyze the elements of a story. Start small with things like “who was your favorite character and why?”. Then move on to more advanced story elements such as pacing, dialogue, and character arcs.

Bonus: You may find future beta readers amongst your own book club members!

4. Short Stories

Short stories provide a more formal way to practice your writing skills than a blog because, unlike a blog, they contain all the elements of a full length novel. Plus you can write numerous short stories in the time it takes to write a novel. For example, I aim to write one short story a week when I am not in my annual novel-writing session.

Short stories are also a great way to test the waters. You can learn about your writing strengths and weaknesses. You can create a writing process (e.g. do you write better at 4am or 6pm?). You can also definitively decide whether writing is for you.

Bonus: You can submit short stories to smaller magazines that provide personalized feedback. It’s a great way to learn what publishers do and don’t want.

5. Plot Points

One of my favorite ways to stay sharp is to identify the major plot points when I watch my favorite movies and TV shows. Can you identify the turning point midway? What about the character’s lowest point?

You can even turn this into a contest or discussion if you’re watching with friends or family.

If it’s difficult to decide which plot points are which, or if the movie skips one entirely, that’s noteworthy. Think about it. Did it weaken the movie watching experience, and if so, how?

Bonus: This is FUN, and you are probably already watching TV or movies anyway so it’s the lightest lift of anything on this list.

Okay, new writers, now get out there and start your writing journey! Best of luck!