[heimatau]

So, I struggled with writing for most of my life (33 now). But around 4 years ago, I took a college 'composition' course...for the fourth time. I failed it three times previously. I had to pass the class this time because I had a mission to get my degree. This class stood in my way. I was fortunate enough to have a great teacher for both level 1 and level 2, I passed both with an A&B respectively. Surprisingly enough, I learned that I already had good habits (journaling, rereading old entries, lack of judgment when writing, comfortable with numerous edits spread overtime). I discovered this through anon blogging and my personal journal after I dropped out of college after my third failing. So, I fell into the good habits but they are practical. They just take time and continuous practice.

So, I said all this, in a rambling way, to say that you can do this without paying others. Just be disciplined about it. Maybe take the 100 day challenge to blogging. Post it anon, if you're worried about criticism.

Good luck. I also second nondeveloper's two book recommends (Elements of Style and On Writing Well), if you need a lot of helpful advice.