Nearly every bookstore has shelves lined with books on writing -- how to be a technical writer, how to write children's stories, how to get over writer's block, how to write for magazines, and the list goes on and on.
But there's more to writing than just technique ... more than knowing the fine points of style, rhythm, and tone ... more than being familiar with the rules on punctuation, grammar, spelling, and sentence structure. While all these components play a vital role in producing "good" writing, they aren't everything.
There's another very distinctive element that's vitally important to quality writing. It's not something that can be taught in a writing workshop or at a writers' conference. No amount of practice will bring it to fruition. It's not a milestone that you pass after "X" number of years of writing experience. It's not a "special" gift.
What is it?
It's YOU. It's the way you communicate. It's your uniqueness. It's the spin you put on events or happenings. It's how you color the things you see or feel in your world.
You may not be saying anything that hasn't been said hundreds of times before, but your way of saying it will be different from everyone else because no one exists that is quite like you.
People are realizing more and more that there is no one final authority on any subject. Because we all experience life in our own unique way, each of us has valuable and noteworthy ideas and thoughts to share.
Honor your individuality. Allow others to see the world from your perspective. Be willing to share your knowledge, your philosophy, and your insights about life. Whether it takes the form of an e-book, a poem, or a novel ... use the Creative Spirit within you to impact and educate your readers from your own special point of view.
Nan Yielding has nearly 10 years experience as an online business owner. She is the owner of Writing-Etc.com and offers internet marketing services and assistance to help website owners attract more customers and increase sales.
This article may be copied and distributed so
long as it is not modified in any way and the footer at the end
of the article is included.
