What Makes a Good Writer and Why?

Hello James,

A few things pop to mind: 1. Bright mind (to quickly understand new information and concepts) 2. Grasp of the English language 3. Empathy (to put oneself in a reader's shoes and write at the right level) 4. Lack of ego (to make sure the reader and information are first - not the writer)

I'd love to hear what you - and others - think!

Cheers, Trelawney

Hmmm. Two slightly different questions, in my mind, though related:

1. What are the elements of good writing? I think good writing informs, engages, and entertains. I think it appeals to multiple senses (visual, auditory, kinesthetic (touch, tactile), even smell. I think it appeals to the emotions.

2. What makes a good writer? Innate curiosity about how the world works, openness to new ideas, being able to see multiple points of view, observational skills and attention to the details others miss. I could probably go on, but these were the first things that cam to mind.

Trelawny, I love your points, especially # 4.

James, what do you think?

Judy, I like your lists!

I find that I am often separating technical/business/marketing writing from creative writing. It could just be me, but I find that since the goal of each type of writing is different, how to reach the goal is often different. For example, creative writing appeals to multiple senses (and journalistic writing can as well). In technical writing, evoking senses usually distracts from the main information. I suppose there could be a case when that isn't true, but it would be the exception.

I think the second list applies to all kinds of writing.

Thanks for starting an interesting discussion! :)

Great observations, Trelawney.

I used to think that creative writing and writing for businesses/marketing were different, but now I use a lot of creative writing/storytelling techniques in my copywriting. It just makes it more appealing, more memorable. I use analogies and metaphors and even characters when they fit. And humor. I love humor. Of course, it has to fit the project and the client. But in my own marketing (e-letters, blog, etc.), I use those techniques freely.

If you are talking about purely technical stuff (user guides, instruction manuals, etc.), I agree, it's pretty hard to get creative with that kind of writing.

Enjoying the discussion.

James,

Wow, a teacher of writing? That's very cool.

I think it's absolutely possible to develop both sets of skills (technical and creative).

How? Trelawny will probably have her own wonderful ideas, but for creative writing, I would start by writing every day. You know, the kind of free writing that just spills out of you when you are not thinking a lot about what words to say. That is where your truly good ideas lie.

Of course, you can take lots of classes and they help, but for me, I began to see the most progress when I dedicated time each day to writing. I like to write with a pen and a journal because I feel more connected to the page that way. But you can type on the computer if that works better for you. Just keep writing!