I have developed wisdom: I recognize my shoddy workmanship.

[francisca]

Experience: the ability to realize you've made this mistake before.

 

[TerraDave]

I have been told I write good Dialogue.

Apparently, one of the best ways to write somthing is to bang it out and then put it in a drawer and forget about it. That way, when you come back to it in 6 months, you see most of the flaws because you have changed enough to spot them. Its like reading someone elses work.

Reading other Genres also helps. Apparently shouting the words as you type them helps too.

Aaron.

Even putting it in the drawer for a few days, and trying to clear your mind before reading, can be very helpfull. But time does help--if you have it.

 

[the Jester]

In my experience, an editor is the best thing you can possibly do to get better at writing. The more ruthless the better.

Hah! I made a funny and none of you got it!!*

*Ruth was the name of the one editor I've ever had.

 

[I'm A Banana]

If you ever stop being ashamed of what you did a decade, a year, a month ago, you have lost the passion for perfection.

At the same time, if you NEVER stop being ashamed of your own work, you've atrophied your skill.

It's a precocious balance.