Why do certain writers captivate readers effortlessly, while others struggle to connect?
Psychology has pinpointed eight traits that commonly appear in gifted writers—traits that go beyond the usual advice of “practice makes perfect.”
These qualities enable them to go deeper and come up with richer, more impactful storytelling.
By identifying these traits, we can better understand not only what makes a good writer but also how aspiring authors can cultivate similar skills.
Let’s dive in.
1) Gifted writers are masters of observation
When you read a well-written book, it feels like you’re right there in the scene. You can almost smell the coffee brewing in the kitchen, feel the chill in the air, and see the protagonist’s subtle expressions. That’s a gifted writer at work.
How do they do it?
Well, most gifted writers are keen observers. They notice the little things that others might overlook – a slight change in someone’s tone, the way a room is decorated, and how people react to certain situations.
They store these observations away and then use them while crafting their stories. This gives their writing a sense of realness and authenticity that resonates with readers.
So, if you’re someone who tends to notice even the smallest details around you, then you might just have one of the unique traits that make a gifted writer!
2) They embrace solitude
Solitude. For some, it’s a scary concept. But for me, and many other writers, it’s an essential part of the creative process. Research shows that solitude stimulates creativity.
I remember when I first started writing seriously, I was working on a novel about a woman navigating her way through life after a tragic event. At times, the emotional depth of the story was overwhelming.
It was during these times that I found solitude to be my greatest ally. The quiet moments allowed me to dive deep into my thoughts and emotions, to really connect with my character and her journey.
Most gifted writers can relate to this. They cherish their alone time because it allows them to explore their ideas freely, without any distractions or interruptions. It’s during these quiet moments that their creativity truly blossoms.
3) They are avid readers
The legendary author Stephen King once said, “If you want to be a writer, you must do two things above all others: read a lot and write a lot. There’s no way around these two things that I’m aware of, no shortcut. If you don’t have the time to read, you don’t have the time or the tools to write.”
Reading is to writing what practicing scales is to playing an instrument. It helps you understand how words can be used to convey emotions, ideas, and narratives. You learn about pacing, character development, plot twists, and so much more.
That’s why gifted writers are usually voracious readers who devour books of all genres. They learn from other authors and incorporate those lessons into their own writing.
4) They are endlessly curious
Curiosity may have killed the cat, but it certainly fuels the writer.
Gifted writers have an insatiable curiosity about the world around them. They ask questions, seek answers, and are eager to learn about anything and everything.
This curiosity isn’t limited to just subjects that interest them. They’re curious about people, places, events, and even mundane things. This is because they understand that inspiration can strike anywhere, anytime.
Their curious nature helps them create complex characters, intricate plots, and detailed settings. It drives them to dig deeper into their subject matter and present it in a way that’s fresh and engaging.
So, if you’re someone who’s always asking “why” or “how”, then you’re already walking in the footsteps of gifted writers.
5) They are resilient
Here’s an unpleasant but undeniable truth: the writing life is filled with rejection. Even J.K. Rowling’s “Harry Potter” was rejected by 12 publishers before it found its home.
As a writer myself, I can’t deny it doesn’t sting. But since rejection is such a ubiquitous part of the writing life, I’ve learned how to roll with it. And that’s a trait I share with other gifted writers – resilience.
Writing is a tough gig. There’s a lot of competition out there and not everyone is going to like what you have to say. But that doesn’t mean you should stop saying it.
Gifted writers understand that rejection is part of the game. They take it in stride, learn from it, and bounce back stronger. They don’t let setbacks discourage them. Instead, they use them as fuel to keep going and improve their craft.
6) They are comfortable with ambiguity
Writing is not always about having clear answers. In fact, it often involves grappling with uncertainty and exploring multiple perspectives.
Gifted writers understand this. They’re comfortable with ambiguity and don’t shy away from exploring complex, and sometimes contradictory, aspects of human nature.
In fact, according to psychology, that’s precisely why they write — to make sense of the world and create meaning.
They don’t feel the need to wrap everything up in a neat bow. Instead, they leave room for interpretation, allowing their readers to engage with the text and draw their own conclusions.
This ability to embrace ambiguity gives their writing depth and nuance, making it more thought-provoking and memorable.
7) They are patient
Ever heard of the phrase “Rome wasn’t built in a day”? Well, neither is a great piece of writing.
Writing is a slow, often painstaking process. It involves crafting sentences, revising them, and then revising them again until they’re just right. It’s about building a world word by word, layer by layer.
For instance, J.R. Tolkien took twelve years to write his epic trilogy “Lord of the Rings”…and another five years to get it published.
So yes, writing isn’t for the fainthearted. And gifted writers understand this. They know that writing is a marathon, not a sprint. They have the patience to stick with their ideas, to nurture them over time until they’re fully developed.
They don’t rush their stories but let them unfold at their own pace, investing time and effort into making every element as good as it can be.
8) They are passionate
Lastly, let’s talk about passion. It’s something all gifted writers have in common.
Passion is the lifeblood of writing. It’s what keeps you going through the late nights, the writer’s block, the endless revisions.
Gifted writers don’t write because they have to, but because they love to. They’re deeply passionate about their craft and this passion shines through in their work.
This passion fuels their creativity, drives their perseverance, and helps them overcome any obstacles that come their way.
Plus, they need passion if they want their writing to be effective for readers as well. As author and writing coach S.J. Seidenburg says, “To write we need more than the knowledge of how to write, we need to feel what we are writing inside of us before we can expect our readers to feel anything.”
So if you’re someone who feels a spark of joy every time you put pen to paper, who gets lost in the rhythm and flow of words, then congratulations – you have the most important trait of all. You are a writer at heart.
Final thoughts
Hopefully, this article has given you a better picture of what makes gifted writers so unique. It’s not just about talent or practice; it’s about qualities like curiosity, empathy, and resilience that help them connect with readers on a deeper level.
If you’re an aspiring writer, focusing on these traits could be the key to finding your own voice and style.
Writing is a journey, and building these qualities can make it an even more rewarding one.
