"If you don't have time to read, you don't have the time (or the tools) to write. Simple as that." ~Stephen King

That's the first step to improve your writing skills, and it's not a difficult one to take. All you have to do is read every day. If you're not an avid reader of books, start off with blogs, magazine or newspaper articles.

The key is to pick subjects that interest you. Don't feel obligated to start with the encyclopedia or
some complex tome. The more you read, the more you'll start to pick up on what techniques writers use to get your interest, and the more discerning your eye will be for writing styles that you particularly enjoy. When it's time for you to sit down to write, you'll find the words flow much more easily.

If you're a parent, make reading for pleasure with your kids a family activity. Set a time for reading your own choices at the same time, or pick books to read to one another. Inevitably, someone will want to discuss what they're reading or share something interesting that they've just read. When that happens, you'll know that they're engaged.

Parents, always stop and listen so that your child will know you're interested in what they're reading. You don't want your child staying up past their bedtime, but if it's to continue reading a book they love, that’s a major victory — in terms of reading, not keeping a strict bedtime. :)