My Top 10 List On What It Takes To Be A Good Writer

Anyone could pick up a pencil and write whatever they please; However, some are more skilled at it than others. Here is my Top 10 list on the abilities to becoming the best writer you can possibly be…

Photo by Green Chameleon on Unsplash

I’m a growing writer in a sea full of countless other writers. I teach what I believe because I’m positive that the world desperately needs new talent and new writers and if I can willingly help any of those who might need some inspiration, I believe I’m doing my job. This list is to involve anyone who may need some assistance and maybe even some motivation. In my opinion, anyone who lends a hand to help other growing writers will only benefit the future that withholds so much potential.

With that being said, I hope you enjoy this list.

(This list is not ranked)

1. Creativity: In my opinion, creativity is the common denominator of all subjects in becoming a good writer. Whether you’re writing fiction, nonfiction, blogs, books, songs, poems or anything else, They all need this one special ingredient. The originality of each content creator is what makes an individual writer so different and so special. Otherwise, we’re all alike, writing the same stuff from different names. Don’t be bland. Make a name for yourself and find a unique way to express your perspectives that would capture the attention of your target audience… This brings me to my next topic:
2. A Target Audience: Finding out what your opinions and interests are in writing will help captivate the attention from other readers. You wouldn’t expect someone who enjoys thrillers to be reading the likes of John Green, just like you probably wouldn’t find those who are attracted to Romance novels reading Stephen King’s horror stories. Many authors and bloggers will have the tendency to write about specific genres or topics that their readers will most likely enjoy. I’d suggest choosing a topic and sticking with one in particular rather than writing about multiple random things at once. This will help grab the attention of the reader who chooses to view your work with a specific taste.
3. Professionalism: Being a true professional will show a lot of good character on the creator. All of us are judged but must be able to handle others’ criticism in order to become better writers. DON’T snap at those who may disagree with your work and do not belittle those for not admiring your material. Having the professionalism to take advice from critics may not ever be easy but can still prove a lot those who actually do appreciate your talent and hard work. Accept the judgement of people who don’t understand and move on. Maybe even take a second to ask yourself if your critics are possibly right…
4. Knowledge: No, I don’t believe that college or any degree is necessary to become a writer; Nevertheless, I know that having some sort of knowledge about what you are writing will play a major factor in gaining followers, as well as a good reputation. When writing about topics that require facts and statistics, I recommend doing a thorough research. Maybe more than once. Even if you’re a fiction writer, you‘re still a writer and ALL writers should know the requirements. The knowledge of the right punctuation, good grammar, a decent vocabulary, and also correct spelling is important.
5. Sleep: A healthy adult needs at least seven hours of sleep a day. Sleep has many good benefits including better memory, more energy and the chances of reducing anxiety. A problem I’ve had in the past with being a writer and managing a healthy sleep schedule is most of my good ideas tend to flow during the hours I’m supposed to be asleep. Often times, I’ll quickly write down what I was thinking before falling asleep instead of being up throughout the entire night. When I wake up, my ideas are still there as I’m also well rested. Without sleep, your brain will not be able to function enough to write and that’s the last thing we want to happen.
6. Self-Care: It’s hard for myself to remember that not everything is work. Not everything is about blogs, books, and writing. Sometimes, I’ll admit it’s nice to sit back, read, listen to music, or just take a break for a while. At the end of the day, we have our own personal lives and it’s mandatory that we rest to enjoy some solitude from time to time. As Pablo Picasso once said: “Without great solitude, no serious work is possible.”
7. Privacy: Having time out with friends and family is good for the soul. Solitude will help your inner self grow your imagination; However, you should always be careful not to use all of your valuable time and forget why you want to be labeled as a real “writer” in the first place. Stay consistent. Always make your work a priority and leave it to yourself to find a place where you can sit down and focus long enough to get the job done. I find it easy to discover new places that I often use as a private getaway until my tasks are finished. It will always be difficult to accomplish the job when surrounded by distractions.
8. Patience: Accomplishing your goals and dreams will obviously take time. It’s helpful to go ahead and admit it. Don’t limit yourself to expectations. The minute you fall, you need to have the instinct to get back up. Don’t assume that you first downfall will not happen. And don’t think it won’t happen again. Becoming a better writer has its good days as much as it has its bad ones. The thing to remember is to always stay patient. Don’t give up. Work hard to overshadow your failures and you’ll one day succeed.
9. Confidence: I’ll tell you right now, you have the potential to do whatever you want! It’s that kind of confidence that you’ll need in order to become a better writer than what you are today. Talking to yourself may sound crazy but it works. Go look in the mirror and tell yourself that you are it. You are what you aspire to be. You have the power. You have the potential. Use it!
10. Motivation: Anyone who knows me as a writer will know that I stress motivation more than anything. I constantly preach that no one will be able to do things for you and no one can get you to become a better writer except for yourself. It’s best to find any inspiration or motivation that would lead you to doing good in this world. If finding your motivation can cause you to get out of bed, to smile, to laugh and/or be happy, It can lead you to becoming an incredible writer. Only you can find it and you can read more about finding motivation in my article: “Get Off The Couch!”

I believe that this world needs more writers and if we can all help each other, we’re all due to have a community full of excellence in the art.

Thanks for reading! Feel free to follow for more.

Best of luck! — Logan Tucker