7 Traits Every Writer Needs
Do you have what it takes?
If I was to ask you, ‘What does a writer need?’ you might respond with ‘A computer, a quiet place to work, coffee and sweets.’ Those are indeed, by many, considered writing essentials, but every writer needs more than that.
1. Thick skin
First and foremost, you as a writer need thick skin. The chance that your work, at least at the beginning of your career, is welcomed with open arms is unlikely. Most writers have to go through a learning curve as to what publishers want and what has been presented to them over and over again. If you’re sensitive and prone to disappointment, you have a difficult time ahead of you.
2. The ability to learn
If you are unable to accept constructive feedback or even criticism, you will likely make the same mistakes over and over again. You have confidence in your work, perhaps you think it’s one of the best pieces you’ve ever written, so why is your work being rejected? As you stew in your indignation you mumble that the publisher can go take a flying leap. That is not the right attitude. Once you’ve calmed down, read the feedback/criticism again and again and adjust your work accordingly.
3. A positive attitude
If one of your works has been accepted by a publisher it’s easy to feel encouraged to go on, but what if you get one rejection after another? More than one writer has thrown in the towel and thought, why bother? If you intend to go on and see your career as a writer through, you will need a positive attitude. Whether you’re a novelist, a poet, or a freelance writer, you’ll need to believe in your abilities. At the same time, you will also need the patience to learn.
4. Determination
If you are willing to admit that your work could be better and you are willing to learn, you will need the determination to see a project through. It’s not easy seeing your hard work plucked to pieces, and getting feedback on everything that needs changing. One revision is bad enough, but having to go through two or even three revisions will take patience and perseverance.
5. Patience
With a lot of writers, patience is often in short supply. Every writer wants instant gratification and when that doesn’t happen they become agitated or even angry. Why do we have to wait? Why are we misunderstood? Why is this happening? If you struggle with impatience, take a deep breath and think beyond today. What is your goal? You no doubt want to be successful, so is one rejection, or even two or three going to discourage you? Your answer will most likely be, no. So what is the big deal? So you got a rejection, so your editor criticized you, so you have to wait for feedback, big deal. If you’re patient and keep going, you’ll reach your goal one day.
6. Research skills
You may be a gifted writer, but there may come a time that you have to rely on the internet for ideas, data, statistics, etc. When researching what you’re looking for, you will need research skills to help you in your search and common sense as to what information can be trusted and what to take with a grain of salt.
If you’re considering pitching your story to a newspaper, magazine, or literary agent, research what that publication or agent is looking for. Newspapers and magazines receive hundreds of stories and are hard (but not impossible) to impress. If you’ve written a book, research what genre the literary agent is looking for. It’s pointless submitting a romance story to an agent who deals in science fiction, and it’s equally a waste of time to submit a thriller to an agent whose specialty is romance.
7. New ideas
Last but not least, as a freelance writer you need ideas. While it’s fine to write from personal experience or day-to-day life, there will come a time that your well of inspiration has dried up. In that case, where will you turn? Once again, the internet will be of help. Whether you want to write about health, exercise, pet safety, or politics, the internet holds a wealth of information. In case you ever suffer from a case of writer’s block, this site is sure to give you some ideas.