Writing is an ability that requires a certain level of aptitude. However, writers are not a select group of natural-born, talented individuals. By viewing writers with this perspective, people can feel unqualified and incapable of becoming good writers. The quality of a writer’s work relies on the process of writing just as much as it does on the skill level or writing ability of the writer. Jill Parrott, the author of the essay, “Some People Are Just Born Good Writers,” believes that a particular writing talent level does not restrict people. She explains that a writer can improve their level of skill by discovering the strategies that reflect their own strengths and weaknesses. Author Jeff Goins also believes that anyone can become a good writer, as long as they have perseverance, and they are open to improvement. A writer of any level can become a good writer by dedicating time to improve their writing abilities and learning.
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With the proper approach, confidence, and practice, any individual can achieve their writing goals and avoid a harmful mindset. Jill Parrott, the author of the essay, “Some People Are Just Born Good Writers,” discusses the issues with the concept that good writers are exclusively people who are born with superior writing skills and abilities. One of the main issues with this concept is that writers become hesitant and discouraged about their abilities. However, these attitudes are not merely a result of an individual’s lack of confidence; rather, it can be attributed to the history of writing itself. Since the late 19th and early 20th century, American studies focused on the product of writing instead of the process, reinforcing the concept that writing is a skill that certain individuals were just born with. As Parrott describes, “this idea that some people are good writer whiles others are not can be truly crippling to a writer” (Parrott, 74) This mindset can lead writers to have a bad attitude towards their abilities, preventing them from attempting to improve. It is imperative that writers are able to have an open mind and expand their attitudes about their work. This development process is known as metacognition, opening up mental space that allows for self-awareness and reflection. Looking back at their work, revising, and listening to feedback are all qualities that a writer should be able to do. These skills involve a certain level of humility, as opposed to being over-confident or arrogant.
While there are several qualities that pertain to a talented writer, Parrott highlights the significance of persistence as a characteristic of a good writer. She states that “persistence emphasizes that experience is more powerful than unchangeable ability, and challenges help move writers forward rather than delaying their progress” (Parrott, 73) Developing the correct mindset and remaining persistent will allow a writer to significantly improve the quality of their work by refining the writing process. Occupying additional time and effort to re-read, edit, revise, and reflect on work will eliminate errors and result in the highest quality product. In the book “Writing Spaces: Readings on Writing”, Sandra Giles says that “reflection helps you to develop your intentions (purpose), figure out your relation to your audience, uncover possible problems with your individual writing processes, set goals for revision, make decisions about language and style” (Giles)
Persistence also encourages a writer to reflect on their work to discover insight on which areas they can improve. As Jeff Goins mentions in his article “The Difference Between Good Writers & Bad Writers,” the distinctive quality between a good writer and a bad writer is the extent of commitment or perseverance towards their work. A bad writer is unmotivated and often lazy. They do not commit to improving, resulting in an inferior quality of work. Goins states that a writer should “choose to be different. Keep going when others do not. Go the extra mile that most will not take.” (Goins) Although writing depends on talent, it also heavily depends on the amount of work that a writer is willing to do. The amount of time that a writer puts into their work will reflect how good their work is.
Works Cited
Giles, Sandra L. “Reflective Writing and the Revision Process: What Were You Thinking?” Writing Spaces: Readings on Writing, Volume 1, Parlor Press, 2010.
Goins, Jeff. “The Difference Between Good Writers and Bad Writers.” Goins, Writer, 24 Nov. 2014, goinswriter.com/the-difference-between-good-writers-and-bad-writers/.
Parrott, Jill. “Some People Are Just Born Good Writers.” Edited by Cheryl E. Ball and Drew M. Loewe, Bad Ideas About Writing, Digital Publishing Institute: West Virginia University Libraries, 2017, textbooks.lib.wvu.edu. p71-75