What Makes a Good Writer?
After working as a writer for years, I no longer suffer from that initial paranoia of telling people that I write when they ask what I do for a living. However, that does not really mean I think my work is great. In fact, I am likely my toughest critic, and perhaps it is this everlasting criticism that keeps me from publishing more. After all, if you don’t send anything out… nobody will publish you.
Identity Crisis
I am really still trying to identify a focus for this blog. Whether it will focus more on freelance writing, or on another more specific niche, I don’t know yet. However, I am finding that because it carries my name it is better if I keep it more personal. Personal does not mean I will be posting pictures of my pet bunny (although maybe one day! Just because he is unforgivably cute). Personal does mean that I want to discuss useful topics that are important to me. This really just narrows it down to freelancing, writing and making money online.
Other web entrepreneurs (like John Chow) also started off their blogs with one thing in mind, and then shifted focus along the way. I think this may start leaning towards a freelance writing journey, because it is the one thing that I may have the most to say about.
So, back to my topic! What makes a good writer in my mind?
A good writer is someone who writes, a lot, and doesn’t stop writing. Well, dinner breaks and bathroom breaks are allowed! Then again, I lean more towards the essential coffee break, sleep is optional. However, I don’t count myself as part of that “writing crowd”. As such, perhaps I am still having trouble acknowledging myself as a real writer, because it is not something I get to do full time: I am one of those freelance writers who has so much on their plate, that sometimes finding time to write on personal book projects is as difficult as dropping ten pounds.
I am a writer who gets easily crippled creatively by negative days. Although this blog is not about my personal life, it suffices to say that there are elements in anyone’s life that can severely influence their productivity. Especially as a writer, so much of your productivity depends on your creativity, and when bogged down there isn’t much coming out of me. As a freelance writer the matter can get even worse: there is a big chunk of positivity necessary to write good query letters (or even start writing them). If you are not positive, you are one hell of a writer if you can still successfully pop up your laptop screen.
So there it is; the secret to being a good writer, is to write. Always.
Make time to write, and write daily. This will be my new mantra as well, especially as I will try to help you become a more successful freelance writer with this blog.
6 Responses to “What Makes a Good Writer?”
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Candace Salima
Said this on September 21st, 2007 at 7:33pm:I am a writer as well, of both books and screenplays, and I understand precisely where you are coming from. I actually blogged about this topic quite some time ago and what I had learned. Life robs creativity, especially if that life is suddenly with personal emergency after family emergency and so on. The last 18 months have been like this for me.
How I pulled myself out of that creative slump was to go to the tops of the mountains for several days running and just soak in the beauty the surrounded me. The city was far below and only the sky was between me and heaven. Slowly I began to heal and the stories, poems and songs flowed into my mind once again.
nala
Said this on September 22nd, 2007 at 9:19pm:Nice Site!
Terry Heath
Said this on September 24th, 2007 at 3:45am:I appreciated your post because I relate to what you’re talking about. I have had the domain matching my name for a few years and never been able to figure out what to do with it. A month or so ago I knew I wanted to blog, but about what? I agree with what you say, having your name on the blog, that it has to be personal. So I’m on the same road, and I’ll be watching your progress. Thanks!
Christine Buske
Said this on September 24th, 2007 at 4:57pm:Thanks Terry! It is an intriguing issue, because anyone can have multiple interest and multiple facets to their work that are worth writing about. Narrowing down on a particular topic isn’t easy.
Then again, one could always choose to be a “generalist” and just become another news source. Something tells me that wouldn’t be the best strategy though…
Sharon Hurley Hall
Said this on September 24th, 2007 at 5:19pm:I appreciate what you say about being crippled by negative emotions, Christine. There are days when I find it difficult to write because of other things in my life. I usually force myself to do it anyway, though, especially if I’ve got a deadline.
Monika @ The Writers Manifesto
Said this on September 25th, 2007 at 3:16am:I totally understand where you are coming from Christine. It surely helps to keep a positive frame of mind that’s for sure.
I recently got advised to put up my domain name by a good friend a experienced writer and use it as an online CV for my freelance writing. So I did - I didn’t yet get around to posting some sample articles there, but linked to my blogs instead.
Last weekend I got an inquiry to write for somebody through this. Just goes to show, that having your branded domain is definitely worth it.
Regardless how young or old it is.
I hope this helps somebody else to do the same.
Take care
Monika Mundell