5 True Traits of a Writer
July 18th, 2009 • Caroline • 2 Comments »I’m writing this post from the deck in my parent’s backyard. I quite enjoy the peace and tranquility surrounding me as I sip on my early saturday morning coffee. Funny enough, when I am in the city, I would rather sleep in on a Saturday morning; as when I wake up I either stare at my laptop and assignments, watch the TV or feel the need to leave the house. We have no backyard, yet alone patio in Toronto. And relaxation isn’t exactly the word I would give to the hustle and bustle of city life (can you tell I’m leaning towards suburbia? *sigh not for another few years).
I suppose this is my favorite part of being a writer. I am able to work on my assignments anywhere I choose. Whether it is at my local Starbucks, in the park or in the serene setting of my parent’s backyard. But there is more to being a writer than having the opportunity to make my office anywhere I choose.
I read a hilarious article in Toronto’s Metro News titled, “Are You a Wordsmith?” It was more of a quiz than article but it drummed up some good points about the world of writing. Even though it may feel you are your own boss, editors, publishers and clients still influence your success. The world of writing involves a lot of rejection, and the cure for that is determination and an open mind.
Writers tend to share common qualities and I have listed them here. Here are 5 traits I believe make up a true writer:
1. Stubborn. I, for one, can attest to the fact that my stubborness has led me to where I am today. Any negative reaction towards me or my work has always been motivation to keep going and rise to the top.
2.Tenacious. Writers are tenacious people. We do not simply give up because someone rejected us. Rejection is part of the game. Rejection is part of life. Some people will like your work, and others will hate it. Rejection should only be looked at as a learning experience and not a personal blow to who you are as a person.
3. Positive. If there is a slow month, we have to be positive that another project or assignment will appear. We have to have faith that we will always have work. The month of April was extremely slow for me. I remember feeling sorry for myself, wondering if business would ever pick up. Suddenly, at the beginning of May and one week before I left for Spain for two weeks, I had five prospects inquiring about my services! Of those five, three of them became my clients. Since then, work has not slowed down!
4. Reliable. When I am given a deadline, that deadline is honored. I am reliable and I believe this is why my clients keep coming back to me. I am also readily available. Especially with my new IPhone, I am more available than ever before! (But on weekends, only via email please:)
5. Unique. I always want to give a voice to my work. I always want to write from my angle, so the reader knows that a) a person, and not a robot wrote it b) it is my original work. Writers have their own unique style and flavor and this is exactly what sets each one apart from the rest. It is important to add a human touch to any piece, regardless of whether an article is in the first person. A unique voice draws in the reader and generates interest. A good writer will make any assignment his or her own in one way or another.
Just what I was looking for! I was researching articles for our blog when I came across your post (on 5 True Traits of a Writer | In the News | CPStyle) which I noticed on Bing. We would love you to write for us, if curious. I’ve bookmarked this post for future reference. Nice comments here as well – Cheers from Family Members Guide
Great discussion. And I REALLY like that you practice what you preach. That’s when you can tell a post has come together.
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And I’m also fascinated by how fresh you made the routine [admit it: what you just shared has been regurgitated millions of time.
Ben Johnson said people don’t need taught as much as they need reminding.
Good work.