There are many different aspects and ingredients to consider when thinking about being a writer.
Believe it or not, there is a big difference between “writing” and “being a writer”. Some writers, or rather, alleged writers, try so hard to “be a writer” that they actually write very little.
Therefore, anyone who wants to be a writer must first stop being a writer and start writing.
Admittedly, this statement is somewhere between advice and opinion. However, our own experience tells us that keeping it in mind will make it easier to become a writer… and to be considered as such by oneself and others.
What are the characteristics of a good writer?
1- Attention to detail
Great writers are observant: they are always taking mental notes and have a keen ability to detect subtle changes around them.
This attention to detail not only makes a writer candidate a good editor capable of spotting the smallest of grammatical errors in a reading. He or she will also be able to add a special touch to his or her own writing.
2- Be disciplined
Writers who manage to stand out for their work are familiar with frustration because rewrites and reedits are part of their daily routine…and the disciplined approach they apply to their work as writers.
Great writers spend a lot of time constantly reevaluating their work. The basis for this constant task of improvement is an ironclad work discipline.
3-Have a rich vocabulary
No one likes to read the same words over and over again. For this reason, possessing – and knowing how to use – a wide and varied language is an advantage for any good writer.
By incorporating unusual words into their writing, they manage to keep the reader’s interest. They also allow them to convey their messages more effectively, since they have the ability to choose the perfect word for each situation.
4- Open to change
Being open to outside edits and suggestions is key for a writer. This allows the professional to improve their writing, without caring, at all, that it may affect their ego.
Open-mindedness allows the writer to see his work through the eyes of others, thus improving his weak points.
5-Passion for reading
Great writers tend to be voracious writers. Being immersed in a world of words, the writer can better understand the basics of writing (syntax, tone, approach to texts, etc.).
The more you read, the more you learn, in all aspects. Both of the different writing tools and of the various stylistic angles that exist.
What do you have to study to become a writer?
It could be said that a writer is born with the ability and passion to create texts of different typologies. However, it is important that, throughout his life, the writer perfects himself in order to improve his grammar and syntax. Also, to find the writing style that best suits their profile and personality.
For all this, there is no writer’s career. However, it is important to take related courses or careers. Some suggestions are:
1- Bachelor of Arts.
The objective of this degree is to train professionals capable of understanding, analyzing and interpreting literary texts. Also, to develop the ability to create innovative proposals in humanistic areas that contribute to the growth of a multicultural and globalized society.
2- Bachelor’s Degree in Language and Literature
If one wonders what to study to become a writer, the bachelor’s degree in Language and Literature is a great answer.
This degree allows one to acquire knowledge and skills to manage editorial processes, analyze and evaluate literary compositions. Also, it will nurture the writer’s ability to argue, systematically, a literary criticism.
5- Bachelor’s Degree in Communication
Another of the springboard careers to become a writer is the Bachelor’s Degree in Communication. Its objective is to train professionals with the ability to research, analyze and evaluate the processes of message transmission.
In addition, a communication graduate should be able to design and implement effective communication processes.
4- Dramatic Literature and Theater
The study of the drama major provides, to the aspiring writer, many tools to be able to write and be inspired.
Perhaps the main objective of the Dramatic Literature and Theatre major is to teach students to develop a high degree of creative, historical, dramaturgical, managerial and didactic discipline and sensitivity.
The graduate in Dramatic Literature and Theater will be able – a priori – to research, create, organize, act, write, direct, teach and disseminate literary and theatrical art.
How does one become a writer?
Here’s the crux of the matter: writing takes practice. No one is born a great writer. And most great writers, after years in the profession, still think that writing is an arduous task, requiring time, effort and courage.
Writing doesn’t just appear. It doesn’t just form all at once and hit the page like a photo taken from a camera and downloaded into our brains.
No. Writing is always about a process (thinking; wandering about where to go; pausing; deleting and rectifying; stagnating; starting over …again and again).
What skills does a writer need to have?
1- Communication skills
It may seem obvious, but writers must be good communicators. That means they must be able to convey a message clearly and concisely not only in their writing, but also in their day-to-day communication.
2- Adaptability
When you write for a living, you probably aren’t always writing the things you want to write. At least, not if you want to make money at it.
People or companies are hiring you to write the things they need. That means you may have to tailor your writing voice to a specific brand.
3- Be disciplined
Writing is not always an exciting career. There are days when the blank page feels like a punishment, where hours go by and it feels like, getting every word out that is born in your brain, is a herculean task.
4- Organizational Skills
Successful writers are organized writers. Anyone who believes that the creative process and that creative people cannot be boxed into something as rigid as organization is profoundly mistaken.
Writers can be organized and creative. They just need to know how to organize their own creativity.
5- Know how to handle criticism negative
Not everyone will like what you write. The sooner you understand this maxim, the more successful you will be as a writer.
When you write for someone else, your work is subject to their approval. And sometimes you may disagree.