Whether you are seeking an in-house writer, working with a freelancer or trying to become a writer yourself, great writers are not born, they are made. It takes years of practice (and patience) to become a great writer. Following are five traits all great writers share.
The 5 Traits
They are passionate about words.
They are curious.
They seek continuous improvement.
They accept feedback willingly (but take it seriously).
They are great listeners (who ask the right questions).
They Are Passionate About Words
Good writers are both efficient and effective with words. They can quickly complete a writing assignment using the best word combinations possible. Great writers go the extra mile — they feel pleasure in carefully choosing words that engage readers in a meaningful way. To great writers there is no such thing as the perfect synonym, because they understand that different words convey slightly different meanings. In other words, great writers combine words that show rather than tell to create a meaningful experience.
They Are Curious
Good writers can write about any subject — they understand that research and planning are integral to the writing process. Great writers go beyond research and planning — they try to absorb as much information as possible, almost becoming subject-matter experts on a subject. Great writers also recognize that no amount of learning about a topic is enough to give it justice, and they acknowledge this out loud.
They Seek Continuous Improvement
Good writers understand that the writing improvement process is never-ending. The more you write, the stronger your writing skills become. To a great writer, however, continuous improvement is a proactive endeavor. Great writers seek out new and different assignments to expand the breadth and depth of their writing repertoire. They understand that there is more than one way to engage readers, and they learn the best ways to optimize their content to fit the most engaging channel. In addition, great writers view new writing assignments as exciting opportunities for intellectual growth, not just professional development.
They Accept Feedback Willingly (but Take It Seriously)
Good writers understand that feedback is part of the writing process, and accept any and all comments no matter how benign (or hurtful) they might seem. After all, there is both an art and science to writing, and feedback can be both subjective and objective. However, great writers view feedback as a means to not only improve their writing skills, but also to connect more meaningfully with their readers. Great writers seriously absorb all feedback — no matter how brutally honest — internalize it and use it to produce content that truly resonates with their readers.
They Are Great Listeners (Who Ask The Right Questions)
Finally, good writers are great listeners. They understand that to properly capture the essence of a writing assignment, they need to listen to what others are saying on the topic. Great writers not just listen, they ask questions — the right questions. Rather than being satisfied with what is, great writers think about what could be — they push the boundaries of what is normally accepted by questioning the status quo. This enables them to re-imagine better ways to communicate with others, expand their readers’ horizons in new ways and offer fresh perspectives.
Bottom Line
Good and great writers may seem alike on the surface. However, there are distinct differences between the two. Great writers are passionate about the writing process, producing more than just effective content. Their writing engages readers in meaningful, sometimes personal, ways. Great writers also go above and beyond an assignment’s requirements, transforming it into an opportunity for intellectual growth through their innate curiosity. And they purposefully seek to provide new insights, taking their readers’ through journeys not previously possible.
Comments