Practice makes perfect...

While doing a uni assignment (something that has nothing to do with writing, but more with funding of schools), I stumbled upon a reading that said something like, just as musicians can't perfect their instruments without practice, neither can the artist and the brush, but when it comes to writing a lot of people believe that they can just put pen to paper and create a story.

Yes, anyone can create a story, but it's the ones who take the time to practice and continually write whenever they get the chance who's the one's to perfect their own craft. I had never thought of writing in the same way as being a musician (I play guitar, and when I'm practicing that my fingers are almost raw from the strings, writing doesn't feel like that), but I do spend time to work on my stories.

What are some ways to practice writing?

1. Reading as much as possible (how can you write if you don't read? Yes, I have heard people say they don't read).
2. Write as much as you can, whether it's a short story, novel or even a daily entry in a journal... everything helps.
3. Participate in critique groups... not only do you get valuable criticism on what you can do to improve that story, but reading and critiquing other's works is good practice at developing your eyes at spotting slight mistakes.
4. Take a writing course... this is where you can learn different skills and strengthen your weaknesses.

I gather the pen (or computer) to the writer is like the guitar to the musician, and only practice will help to perfct the craft.

So, what do you do to practice your craft?