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Do I Have Writing Talent? It’s A Mistaken Question

Writer's picture: storytellercharlesstorytellercharles

Aspiring writers often seek validation for their talent. "I need to know if I have talent or not," they say, believing this will determine whether they should pursue writing or stick to another career. This mindset is fundamentally flawed. Writing is a skill that can be developed, not an innate talent.


Teaching English Composition at various colleges provided irrefutable proof of this. Students who initially submitted lackluster, unpolished work were able to produce lively, well-written essays by the end of the semester. Similarly, I've observed that writers who produce seemingly ordinary work can secure numerous assignments, while others with exceptional wordcraft struggle to get published.


Stanford psychology professor Carol Dweck supports this perspective in her book, Mindset: The New Psychology of Success. Dweck's research reveals that people who view talent as a fixed, inborn trait are less likely to fully develop their potential and recover from setbacks. In contrast, those who believe talent can be cultivated achieve more and inspire greater achievement in others.


Dweck's most encouraging finding is that one’s mindset about talent and intelligence can be changed. For instance, children who learned that the brain, like a muscle, strengthens with exercise saw their math scores improve dramatically in just two months.


Thus, discard the belief that you either have writing talent or you don’t. Instead, approach writing as a set of skills that can be learned and honed. These essential skills include:


  1. Sensitivity to Word Nuances: Understanding the subtle differences between words is crucial. A good dictionary is a valuable tool for distinguishing between similar terms, such as "cauldron" and "kettle," or understanding when to use "bravery" versus "bravado."

  2. Effective Communication: Conveying your message effectively depends not on your intent but on how readers interpret your words. If readers don't understand your message, you need to revise your writing. This lesson is often harder for passionate writers to accept than for those with a more pragmatic approach.

  3. Revising and Editing: Be willing to set your writing aside and revisit it later with fresh eyes. Rearranging, replacing, and revising elements can help you tell your story more clearly and artfully.

  4. Mastering the Basics: Learn and apply the rules of spelling, grammar, and usage. While editors can correct major mistakes, they prefer working with writers who adhere to professional standards.

  5. Resilience: Rejection is an inevitable part of the writing process. Successful writers learn to take rejection in stride and quickly move on to the next opportunity.


These five skills and attitudes are far more crucial for writing success than any inherent talent. By focusing on developing these areas, you are certain to make progress as a writer.


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