Ask Nicola Q&A: 5 positive traits to improve your writing
Welcome to Forever Young Autobiographies – Ask Nicola.
Regularly I get queries about creating life stories for family and friends.
Today’s Ask Nicola question is:
Help, I’m not a natural-born writer! What are some positive traits and qualities of a good writer that I can learn from?
So let’s dive into 5 top characteristics…
1 Be curious
The top qualities of a good writer must include being curious.
In general if you are curious you will research, investigate, question and think about different points of view for your writing.
That is to say you go beyond surface facts and details to find out the ‘why’ and ‘how’ of a story.
Certainly this makes for a broader, more superior book.
Related article – Story detail: Identifying key details in a story to make your autobiography shine
2 Be open to ideas
Great writers are always open to new ideas and inspiration.
For example, as life-story creators, memories will randomly pop into your head.
Indeed the more you think and write the more memories come to the surface – memories breed memories!
With this in mind, keep notebooks handy (in the house, car or your phone) to record writing ideas, memories, life lessons and more as they arise.
Related article – How to beat memoir writer’s block in 8 simple steps
3 Be disciplined
Without a doubt you need discipline to sit down regularly and record your stories.
For the most part, if you haven’t written much in the past it can feel unnatural and difficult.
But as with any new skill, the more you turn up and try, the easier it becomes!
So long as you write regularly, even a few sentences at a time, you are on your way to finishing your book.
Related article – Writing time: How to schedule time for writing
4 Embrace grace
Grace should also be on the list of qualities of a good writer.
Because sometimes a story ends up being a different version of what you set out to write.
In short, this does not mean your story is ‘bad’ or you have ‘failed’.
Sometimes your subconscious is at work and good writers are OK with this!
Related article – First draft: Don’t start writing a first draft before reading this!
5. Be Brave
Great writers know fear is part of the writing process.
Indeed even the most talented writers get fearful about exposing their thoughts, beliefs or actions.
But the best writing is authentic and truthful.
Therefore you must be fearful to write bravely.
Related article – Tell the truth: The surefire way to out skeletons in the family closet
Final say: Qualities of a good writer
Ordinary people can be great writers.
In short, they push through negative thoughts and barriers to put pen to paper time and again.
Certainly this means fostering skills and habits like: curiosity, open-mindedness, discipline, grace and bravery.
So what qualities of a good writer will you cultivate today?
Happy writing!
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Your say
What other qualities of a good writer do you think are needed? What trait resonates with you? Send me an email or leave a reply in the comments section at the end of this article.
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First published September 12, 2019: This article has been updated and improved.