Writing and advice
The 3 Soft Skills to Have as a Successful Writer
#3 Curiosity
As a writer, there are many skills we have. However, there are three soft skills to have as a successful writer. It may seem obvious to some, but to others, maybe not.
So here I have explained the importance of having soft skills in the first place and what they are, as well as outlining the three you need to be a well-read writer because:
“If writers wrote as carelessly as some people talk, then adhasdh asdglaseuyt[bn[ pasdlgkhasdfasdf.”― Lemony Snicket, Horseradish
What are soft skills?
According to the Oxford Dictionary, soft skills are:
“personal attributes that enable someone to interact effectively and harmoniously with other people.”
As a writer, this is compulsory. The whole point in writing is to connect to another person's soul so that they feel your emotions and message. As a writer, you must be vulnerable and open to interacting effectively and harmoniously with your readers, so let us take a look at the three soft skills to have as a successful writer.
These are skills that I have built on in the past year or so after graduating with a Journalism degree. It is all well and dandy to have a degree, but a writer is someone who has taught themselves the fine art of being open and willing to tell a story from their soul. At least, in my opinion, it is this way.
Here are the three soft skills of a successful writer from my point of view — an author who has now written two self-help books that have been reviewed as “a life coach who is rooting for you” and “inspiring and relatable”.
1. Curiosity
“A good writer possesses not only his own spirit but also the spirit of his friends.” ― Friedrich Nietzsche
Curiosity is the key to being a good writer. The whole part of telling a story comes from being curious about something or someone. I guess you could say I have always been a curious soul.
Ok, so there’s not such a big difference between being nosey and curious. That doesn’t mean I like to be in people’s business, but I like to inquire. I am inquisitive. Are you too? Remember, writing is a solitary act, but the research part isn’t. You have to be a curious, keen creature to catch a good story.
“The universe is made of stories, not of atoms.”― Muriel Rukeyser
You can be curious without asking. Look, seek, you shall find. (Yes, that does sound like a bible verse!) When being a successful writer, keep your eyes and ears open at all times and be aware of your surroundings. Be mindful. Be open.
2. Communication skills
“It may seem obvious, but writers should be good communicators” — Maria Elharaoui
Communication is the next key soft skill to have as a successful writer. If you don’t have this skill, then your story may not come across as intended.
When writing is part of your career, you have to communicate with your audience or workmates. Okay, so you can be a freelancer, like me; working solo and writing books suits me well. But there are times when I need human connection and working with others suits me well as I am open, friendly, and understanding.
To communicate with your audience successfully, you must have consistency in tone and rhythm. What is your voice? You will find it out the more you write and practise honing in on your communication skills.
3. Confidence
“Writers write while dreamers procastinate. ”― Besa Kosova
Last but not least, own it! Own your voice, your style, your way of writing. Confidence is a key soft skill to have as a successful writer because if you don’t believe in yourself, who will? The same applies to anything. You must be the one to first believe in yourself for others to then believe in you.
“Writing is a lonely job. Having someone who believes in you makes a lot if difference. They don’t have to makes speeches. Just believing is usually enough.”― Stephen King, On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft
Like everything, you must believe in yourself to hone in on your writing skills and stand out from the crowd. For example, I know I am sincere, humble, and vulnerable in writing. I have no gate up, but I write how I feel from my soul, from my subconscious. After writing my first self-help book, I realise this is uplifting for other people to relate to and feel inspired by.
In conclusion
The three soft skills to have as a successful writer are:
- Confidence
- Communication skills
- Curiosity
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