The Difference Between Good Writers and Bad Writers

by Jeff Goins | 126 Comments | Twitter, Facebook, Google+

The difference between good writers and bad writers has little to do with skill. It has to do with perseverance.

Bad writers quit. Good writers keep going. That’s all there is to it.

Photo credit: Flickr (Creative Commons)

Good writers

Good writers take time to write. They craft and re-craft a piece. They spend hours and days, revising. They take criticism and feedback, listening to both the external and internal voices that drive them.

And they use it all to make their writing better.

They’re resigned to the fact that first drafts suck and that the true mark of a champion is a commitment to the craft. It’s not about writing in spurts of inspiration. It’s about doing the work, day-in and day-out.

Good writers can do this because they believe in what they’re doing. They understand this is more than a profession or hobby. It’s a calling, a true vocation.

Good writers are perfectionists, but they’ve learned the discipline of shipping.

Bad writers

Bad writers don’t understand this, and that is precisely what makes them bad writers. They presume their writing has achieved a certain level of excellence, so they are closed off to the concept of editing or rewriting.

They can seem haughty, prideful, and arrogant. But really, it’s laziness and fear (mostly fear). Why don’t they edit? Why don’t they write ahead? Why do they give into the myth of the overnight genius? Because they’re afraid of putting the work in — and failing.

As a result, their work is scattered and disconnected, not nearly as good as they think.

How to be different

I meet a lot of people who are decent writers but think they’re great. I used to be one of them. Stubborn and pig-headed, I didn’t want to change. I didn’t want to grow. I wasn’t that good.

When I ask people to rewrite a guest post or make suggestions on how to improve their writing, they get defensive. Or more often the case, I never hear from them again. It is a rare occasion that I hear from a writer who asks for feedback and means it. Many want to get together for coffee; few want to write.

A good writer is humble. Regardless of skill, he is committed to seeing the writing process through to completion. No matter how grueling or hard, he will write. And he will get better.

So what can you — the aspiring writer with something to say — do?

Make a choice

Choose to be different. Keep going when others do not. Go the extra mile that most won’t go. Be amazing by persevering.

Take the crap job that pays nothing. Offer to be someone’s understudy or apprentice. Put the hours in, pay your dues. It will pay off. But you will have to work.

Don’t coast on talent alone. Let it remind you of the responsibility you have to honor your gift. And if you’re not that good, well here’s the good news: you can get better.

You can outlast those who are lucky and out-work those who are lazy.

This all begins with humility. Which really means a willingness to listen and change. To do the work and become a professional.

If you do this, if you take the time to make your work great by never settling for good enough, it will make all the difference.

So start persevering today.

What do you think is the difference between good writers and bad writers? Share your thoughts in the comments.

*Photo credit: Flickr (Creative Commons)

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About the Author

Jeff Goins

Writer, idea guy, difference-maker. I help people tell better stories and make a difference in the world. My family and I reside just outside of Nashville, TN. Follow me on Twitter, Facebook, or Google Plus.

Seth Jr.

Love it! Pride is at the root of so many pitfalls, including being a bad writer.
- http://goinswriter.com Jeff Goins
  
  you’re right, seth.
http://handonhip.wordpress.com Melanie

JG,

Looking for some advice/help. Taking a writing class and anytime I volunteer my piece or speak up – the more experienced writers seem to rip me apart and not really help. I have already explained this is a new avenue for me. I don’t learn by people yelling at me, all at the same time mind you, or by them being snarky. It really took me down a notch and made me feel like I had made a mistake ever pursuing this as a career in the first place.

I understand what you are saying, but it is tough trying to even kick this off! I am an artist and get much from critiques, but I feel in this classroom, there are some elitists/arrogant folk. Support/advice, etc.?

It would be greatly appreciated!

Sincerely, MEL
- http://goinswriter.com Jeff Goins
  
  Screw ‘em…
  
  And maybe read the War of Art.
- Matt Cohn
  
  “Snarky.” Ugh. The ultimate bad attribute of someone who’s in it for their own ego. Temper your sensitivity with the development of a “thick skin.” Being creative and doing something as personal as writing involves risk. Don’t let small-minded folks interfere with your journey!
  - http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins
    
    Find another class. Those aren’t writers; they’re dickheads. Matt’s advice is good, too. (Sorry for the strong language; if I could say it another way while still conveying my disdain for such arrogance, I would.)
http://jeffgoins.myadventures.org Jeff Goins

Screw ‘em…

And maybe read the War of Art.
http://philippinevoyager.wordpress.com/ Julius

…And a good understanding of human thoughts and behavior. A plot is just a plot. A setting is just a sething. Without good characters to fill the pages, the story does not come alive….
- http://jeffgoins.myadventures.org Jeff Goins
  
  Good addition Julius. Thanks for the comment.
Connie Brown

Good advice. Thanks.
http://rasjacobson.wordpress.com Renée Schuls-Jacobson

“I meet a lot of people who are decent writers and think that they have
what it takes to be great. I ask them to rewrite something or make a few
suggestions on how to improve, and I never again hear from them.”

Imagine teaching Comp-101. They all think they are great. They have been getting A’s all their lives. Most are not humble and they don’t understand process because it has all been about product (or preparing for a test). People drop my course when they learn I will expect them to not just tweak but rip apart a piece of writing and begin again, if necessary. Because sometimes it is necessary. I’m adding you to my blogroll. You make good sense!
- http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins
  
  Thanks, Renee! Appreciate what you’re doing to try to make better writers.
- http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins
  
  Thanks, Renee! Appreciate what you’re doing to try to make better writers.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=738965463 James Prescott

Sadly recognised a few of the ‘bad writer’ traits in myself. Thanks for pointing these out, I needed to hear that. Can easily get caught up in my own ego – either over or under-confidence. Still learning about planning and rewriting skills, but I am learning. Thanks so much for what you do, you have no idea how much you have helped my writing.
BethMcKamy

I have a somewhat different problem. I don’t believe I am a good writer. I never turn down advise because I look at it from the standpoint that I know nothing and have everything to learn.

The problem is I write for a newspaper. Sometimes human interest stories that I can take a little bit of time with, but mostly stories that have to be done immediately. It puts a whole lot of pressure on me because I am so insecure about writing and I want every article I do, whether a feature, a city council meeting or a program at the schools, to be not only informative, but interesting. Because I don’t have the time to spend on each article that I want, I keep a lot of fear and anxiety inside myself.

I so want to learn to be a great writer, but most of the blogs out there are for those writers that are putting together books and blogs. Unless God has other ideals for my life, writing a novel wouldn’t be part of the plan. Of course I never thought being a newspaper reporter/writer/editor would be either. God is funny like that!

Thanks for all your great stuff Jeff. I am learning everyday.
- Matt Cohn
  
  You’re already a good writer, Beth! And just by being aware of what you want, and having the discipline to keep working and practicing, you’ll become what you want to become. The fear and anxiety can be harnessed and used: All creative people have those things. And thanks to Jeff…..great work! Much appreciated……
  - http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins
    
    Matt, can you handle all my comments? This is great.
  - BethMcKamy
    
    Thank you Matt, but I know that God didn’t open the door to this job because of my wonderful writing ability! However, I know for a fact I am where He wants me to be. The fear and anxiety, in a way, makes me have to rely on God for everything. Without a doubt, I can do none of this without His help! Thank you for your kind words…..they are greatly appreciated!
http://www.eileenknowles.blogspot.com Eileen

“Many want to get together for coffee; few want to write.” Now I want to drink coffee and write about drinking coffee. Great post.
Anonymous

Amen to that!

True about just about everything – not just writing. Spot on!

Paul
http://www.madebydenise.net Denise Smedley

I don’t actually know what makes a good writer, but I know how you’ll never be a good writer ever…

Arrogance. Taking constructive criticism personally, when you can view it as an opportunity to grow.

I think there are a lot of writers out there that just want to write their little hearts out, but are too stubborn to refine their skills. They don’t want to edit and re-edit. They don’t want to take the time to cut useless paragraphs out or link words that should be linked because they feel that’s way too much work, I guess.

Don’t do the work. Don’t try to get any better. And you’re well on your way to NOT being a good writer. But, I think that formula applies to most pursuits. Not just writing.
- http://shelaughsblog.com Shaena Crespo
  
  I agree with it being a principle that is easily applied to all pursuits. Nice.
http://shelaughsblog.com Shaena Crespo

What I live about this blog Jeff is you passion to inspire others to be better! That’s a great leadership skill too!
http://jeremysconfessions.com Jeremy Statton

Writing definitely takes time and work. You simply can’t get all the thoughts down well the first time. When you edit and rewrite, new ideas come to mind, making it even better. Plus we all know what Anne Lamott says about first drafts.
- http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins
  
  Words to live by
Patricia W Hunter

Really like this, Jeff. It’s excellent motivation and encouragement. I know writers who are critical of other writers (usually of style rather than just bad writing, but they can’t see it) who are terrible writers themselves for many of the reasons you give. It’s easy to tell when they have written a post like they would write a letter – with little to no editing. They are people who think they are good writers simply because they have something of value to communicate, but it is laborious to read their wordy, unedited work.
- http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins
  
  thanks, patricia.
http://talesofwork.com kimanzi constable

I think you can tell the difference by the motivation of the writer and I think you can tell someone’s motivation by what they write about! Make sense?
- http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins
  
  yup
Alicia

Ow. You just hurt my feelings and confirmed my worst fears at the same time. I really am scared that I’m going to be trying to do this for years on end, and not getting any better, and no one will ver be interested in my work. (I already have that problem with a few other dreams of mine.)

If I must persevere, I’d like to do it with some hope that it’s not all in vain. On good days, I have it. On bad days (or weeks) I think I should just throw in the towel and quit embarrassing myself. And sometimes I do, but I always end up coming back with promises it’ll work out better next time. (It’s a sick relationship I have with this thing called writing.)

Well, at least I’ve clearly pinpointed one of the reasons for my current writing level. So thanks for that.
- http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins
  
  You’re welcome. (I’m okay with occasionally hurting some feelings.)
http://www.freelancewriter.co/ Harleena Singh

Great post Jeff!

I think what distinguishes good writers from the bad ones is also the fact that good writers are willing to make corrections, willing to change, willing to keep on learning, willing to grow, and most importantly take criticism in their favor- to improvise themselves. And for them learning remains a continuous process, it never seems to end!

I remember a quote of William Shakespeare ~”For there is nothing either good or bad, thinking makes it so.”

Thanks for sharing
http://successbeginstoday.org/wordpress John Richardson

“You can outlast those who are lucky and out-work those who are lazy.”

You’ve got to be in the arena, getting your hands dirty. Persistence is the key to so many things. Combine that with helpful mentors and you can not only outlast the lucky, but become better as well.

BTW… as a helpful person, you have a very creative sentence above… “Why don’t try write ahead?”
- http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins
  
  thanks. got it.
http://twitter.com/philip_vaughan Phil Vaughan

I love this…especially: And if you’re not that good, well here’s the good news: you can get better. You can outlast those who are lucky and out-work those who are lazy.
Thank you!
http://www.philvaughan.org/
- http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins
  
  indeed you can.
Scott

This is the difference between good and bad anythings — writers, yes, but also cowboys, pianists, pilots, surgeons, spouses, you name it. I love the encouragement to persevere in the things that matter most. Thank you.
- http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins
  
  Yep
http://www.jasonvana.com Jason Vana

You hit the key for being good at anything: humility to allow others to critique and offer suggestions to help you grow. If you can’t do that, you don’t really ever grow.

Great post, Jeff.
http://twitter.com/wendyfehr Wendy Fehr

True, very true. On my earlier work some people were reluctant to give me good feedback. The work wasn’t very good and I knew something was wrong – I just didn’t know what. So I continued to pursue feedback until I found two brave souls who gently explained what I was doing wrong. It was a turning point (I hope!) in my skills. Thank you to all of the brave people who are willing to provide honest (but gentle please) feedback.
- http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins
  
  thanks for showing this side of the critiquing process, wendy.
Anonymous

well said.

the hardest people to teach this to are those who have some natural ability; they’ve always been rewarded for their first drafts, which are pretty good, and the concept of trying harder is new.

i’ll take someone with a strong work ethic and so-so talent over a prima donna any day; there’s more hope for the former, and they’re nicer, too.
http://www.caroljalexander.com/ Carol J. Alexander

Excellent! You’ve got the word, too–humble. Thanks for encouragement. Makes me want to take another class.
http://www.ricardobueno.com Ricardo Bueno

Re: “And if you’re not that good, well here’s the good news: you can get better.”

Too true. And I’d add, that often times, our writing is already better than we think it is. Remember, we’re often our own worst critics.

At the end of the day, the more you write, the better you get. And yes, I can differentiate between the two types… I think you can tell when someone is phoning it in.
http://somewiseguy.com ThatGuyKC

I think you nailed it. I can tell whether my own writing is good or bad depending on the consistent effort because I know when a post has sweat behind it or pure slacker.

I find that most bad writing sounds disjointed or constipated as though the idea was forced or haphazardly conceived.
- http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins
  
  yep. i find that’s true mostly when i force out my own thoughts without letting them incubate.
http://www.facebook.com/mistressofprose Rebekah Downey

I love how you explain the difference. I have been part of a writers’ group for about six years now, and I can always tell the people who are not good writers by the way they critique others. Criticism should be constructive and helpful, not arrogant. And those of us who take a little longer to produce our work because we’re perfectionists will never be sorry we spent that time.
- http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins
  
  that’s a tough call, rebekah, because I’m NOT a fan of perfectionism. i love quality and excellence, but not at the expense of shipping. we need both to become the writers we were meant to be.
Lia London

In tandem with your (very true) thoughts about the need for revision, I think it’s true that practice makes those first rough drafts grow better over time. I saw a painting show once in which the host said his paintings usually took “20 minutes and 20 years”–20 minutes to do because he’d been doing them for 20 years. Of course, he was talking about fairly commercial art, but it certainly showed skill. Good writers can do that in their own way, too. That first blurt of ideas can come out better after years and years of learning how to get an idea onto the page/screen. That’s not talking about the Pulitzer Prize winners or Great American Novels, of course…but you know what I mean.
- http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins
  
  love that. the importance of shipping and tweaking.
Robin Stanley

You really are a difference maker, Jeff. Thanks for sharing your journey into the crevices and out again.
- http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins
  
  My pleasure. Thanks for reading!
http://www.facebook.com/people/Jamal-Cromity/674612816 Jamal Cromity

Very good points!
- http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins
  
  thanks!
Matt

I find it’s easy for the ego to get in the way, but I highly value feedback. I don’t consider myself a good communicator – and I have several reasons to rationalize and not want to improve – but I choose to keep improving and persevere by writing on an ongoing basis and keep getting feedback and acting on it. Thanks Jeff!
- http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins
  
  appreciate your reading this, matt!
http://blog.rumorsofglory.com/ Lucille Zimmerman

I agree Jeff. I have been working at my craft for years. I’m a story teller. I want my stories to get out, but they won’t unless I put in the effort to make myself intelligible. Persistance is what finally landed me a book deal.
- http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins
  
  Thanks for sharing, Lucille!
Pingback: Hawking Comics, Articles & Art | Hawkers Magazine
http://www.justinhayslett.com/ Justin

Practice. Practice. Practice. In the book Outliers Malcolm Gladwell writes about the 10,000 hour rule. A group at an elite music school in Berlin. The researchers set up the violinist into three groups.

Group One – The best
Group Two – Good
Group Three – Pretty Good

They asked them all the same question: how many hours have you practised. They found that in every case the best had all practised over 10,000 hours. Group two around 8,000 and group three 5,000 or less. There was not one case where someone in Group A had practised less than 10,000 hours, or someone in Group Three had practised more than 10,000 hours.

Therefore, what Jeff says is right, Good writers spend hours and days writing and revising.

This is one key reason I love blogging. I’m not a great writer . . . yet! But blogging gives me much practice to refine and hone this skill.
- http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins
  
  Thanks, Justin.
Anonymous

tha
- http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins
  
  wel
Anonymous

This is a very inspirational piece. Thank you.
- http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins
  
  my pleasure!
Anonymous

One of my goals for writing in 2012 is to write more. Right now I only write about 15 – 20 minutes a day. I want to raise that up to about one hour. I also have the bad habit of posting my second, even first draft sometimes. That stops now! Until it’s reread and revised it doesn’t get posted! Thank you for the great blog and the inspiration you’ve given me to keep writing.
- http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins
  
  you’re welcome, Tony! keep writing.
Freddy

How true! Although at the moment I’m writing for business (paying the bills) instead of writing for fun (mine) , the process is the same. Meet with client. Study subject. Research. Write outline. Research some more. Write draft. Fix draft. Send draft to client asking for feedback / edits. Do final draft. Maybe even do final draft again. Perhaps it is a good thing to write for a client, as it teaches you to collaborate and you are forced to accept feedback. Possibly even learn to like it.
http://profiles.google.com/avacc88 Aaron Vaccariello

Hey Jeff.

This is really motivational stuff (stuff, yeah I said it!). A word I anticipated to be used in this post was “consistency.” But what you said about perseverance is simply all-encompassing. It distinguishes the passionate writer from the semi-writer, or how you put it, the “bad writer” from the “good writer.”
http://30goingon60.com/ Steve Tracy

Jeff – good stuff. I just read this on the heels of your “Ouch, That Hurt!” post…this was a good segue.

A good friend of mine heavily committed to music once told me that
every comment – positive or critical – motivated him. One was a pat on the back…the other a reminder there is always something to improve. Both are definitely fuel for perseverance.

Many thanks for sharing – keep it up.

Steve
http://twitter.com/mkr_briskman24 Manoj

Hey Jeff, I’m ought to become fan of your writings. This is one such article that held all the advices what exactly I needed at this point of time. Thanks. I’m working as a sub-editor, and by now I’ve faced many rejections. What most annoying me is I don’t know, why I’m being rejected?

However, everyday I’m working on areas where I deem to be deficient. It will be great if you spend few minutes and give me feedbacks on my work. Just once. I’d really appreciate it. Will you…please.

If your alright with it, I shall post the links of my writings. I’d never forget this help.
http://twitter.com/EveRedwater Stacey Busuttil

I write poetry over at my blog, and find that what you said about being both a good and bad writer rings true with me. I want to extend my words to people, my readers, get their opinions, critique, etc., but find it hard to go back and revise my poems after I’ve written them. I used to think that it was /because/ they are poems – the somewhat fleeting, sucker-punch entities that they are – but after reading this post, it really hit home. No matter what, I need to take more care, and more time, in my work. I want to improve. I suppose this harkens back to your “Ugly writing” post: I’m a bad writer because I very rarely revise. I admit that. I need to change; otherwise there’s just no way I’ll be able to grow. Thanks Jeff!
Mima Tipper

Thanks for this post, Jeff! When I hit a doubting, fearful kind of day, I am always able to get past it, and keep writing my stories. “Forge ahead.” That’s my mantra. Posts like this help, though. A lot. Peace.
http://www.twocannoli.com/ Kristin Shaw

Jeff, this was a great post! I shared it with the Austin bloggers group and we all benefited.
http://twitter.com/observerph AteMyx

Humbling piece, thank you.

I like that: Be amazing by persevering.
Tess

Hi Jeff, I have discovered your blog, and it is great, very good advice, so reading thru all of the back issues.
A quote relevant to this article: Gratitude is the mother of all virtues by Unknown

This says it all for me. As if you are given the gift/talent/voice of being a writer, appreciate it, celebrate it, treasure it, feed it, care for and about it, and most of all do not take it for granted. The more you put into your writing, the more you personally get out of it, and I am not talking money.

I write, and am blessed to have found a voice that guides me, now I have found yours and appreciate your advice as it gives us all a wake-up call, it is the simple things in life that matter, and writing should be clear, simple, to the point and specific.

Another quote for you: He teaches also learns a Swahili proverb
Tess

How do you know if you are a writer? When you tell yourself you are, or when you have written something that others like? Or that you are proud of? Or when you are published?

And how do you know when you have written something good, or bad? You do not. Only the opinion of others will let you know. But if you feel good writing that should tell you lots. It all depends on your ‘motivation’ for writing, I feel, as this is what comes out in your writing.

I studied writing, by reading everything I could on all things writing, I read authors bio’s, went all over the net searching and searching and finding tremendous advice. I got so lost with information overload, and then I felt, enough is enough. I cannot take in any more information. It had to come out. After 15 years of doing this, I finally had the courage to make my voice heard and started small, built up a large portfolio of articles and yes, I wrote for just about nothing, but guess what? I felt great that my writing was in demand, and every article I wrote took me further along the road to finding my writing self, my voice.

I learned that all writing is practice really, as it is true what you say, no writer feels completely satisfied with their output, as they are striving for perfection {which is a myth} as each one of us have our point of perfection, and when we reach it, we still try for more.

Good writers do not talk down to their readers, they share and involve them. Bad writers preach, judge, diss others, talk rubbish to fill a page, and I could go on forever.
But then again, no writing is bad, as revision is what will make it better, if you put the time in. Perseverance, humility, dedication, consistency, passion, and fortitude is what all writers need. To believe they can, in spite of their inner critic, yes, the one who tells you you are writing rubbish, find value in your writing, and make it count for something.

Another quote: If you settle for second best, that’s what you will become — J F K
None

“It’s a calling, a true vocation.”Bad writers romanticize writing. Decent writers don’t spend as much time analyzing their own navels.
- Dave
  
  I agree. I have met many people who romanticize writing, people who spend all their time name dropping, or bang on about obscure books to intimidate people.
  
  One thing I think bad writers do is think that someone else will edit their work for them. In the grandiose plans, somewhere between plane trips to New York book fairs and TV interviews, they think they will send the work to their editor who will make all the changes.
  
  People often just suddenly want to become writer, then start acting like Barbra Cartland. Others may think they can send of their work thinking publishers will see the inner brilliance beyond the tedious stuff like structure and formatting.
Gamin

I totally agree. We have to think of ourselves as eternal students. There is always something that needs to be learned. It’s good to know how good you are but if you let it get to your head, then that’s when things go sour.
acwriter1985

Really like this post you’ve written. I just found your site and have been looking it over. I recently had a small story published and want to continue on writing. However, sometimes I’m just not feeling it. I have all these thoughts, characters, story lines, and emotions nagging at my brain, but nonetheless can’t seem to sit and write. I think there is some kind of apprehension. I would love to figure out how to create a great blog and generate activity like you. This site is wonderful!
http://www.themodernyou.com/ TheModernYou

Thank you Jeff, this is excellent information that I like to read before I begin writing posts. Although I know I need much more practice in writing, I believe that re-reading this before each post gives me an edge of encouragement to better perform for myself and then my audience.
Dr. Pigfucker, beauty queen

Dan Brown must be a great writer, then. Go fuck yourself.
Kathryn Braithwaite

That’s such a good post .Many of us imagine that poets just sit down and write but I know now it can take a week to write and edit a poem.And that even after becoming better one can slip back to something banal or dull.But it’s like exercise… you need to keep going….and in the end you begin to learn your craft.
Ladydiannephillips

Being true to self and real with others. Letting go of unfounded perceptions of judging ourself and silencing that inner voice that HAS TO get out from the entanglement of confinement and burst forth with a sense of urgency and passion and strength and offering. What writing isn’t about, is just as important as what it is meant to be. For me, a life time spent in the University of Life playing field of reality gives me the right, the drive, the passion, the desire, the motivation to pursue and the need to step toward the ever present call to write. To have my say. To listen to the courage of expression that others are moved toward and willing to share. To listen to the change-of-mind, body and spirit that the release offers and the freedom to continue with vigorous breath. I love the mystery that unfolds, one word at a time. I love the rythm of the music within and the rythm of the outpouring of emotion, thought, feeling, color behind the closed eyes. I want to feel the heat from the keyboard or from the movement of my hand across the page and back again. I meditate on the release that my shoulders and my cheeks relax into. I love the sway of the head as I search for the connecting points of thought. I love researching the power of the written word by seeing and/or hearing the effect that the words have had on people.

Being kind to self and others. Understanding that we are linked together for a greater purpose than selfish hoarding of ourself in fear behind closed doors to our heart because we are anxious about possible ineffectiveness if we step out-of-our-self and become vulnerable and exposed to others. Afterall, we can be held accountable for the words we pen or type and it is my believe that we ‘should’ be held accountable and that is a very scary abys to give ourselves over to calling ourself “A WRITER”.

There I have done it without edit. What have you got to say back at me Jeff Goins? How would you edit this offering?
- http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins
  
  I think it reads beautifully. Well done.
http://www.facebook.com/zeeshan.parvez.18 Zeeshan Parvez

Nice post!
Dena Netherton

Loved this post. If I’m not willing to work at my craft and improve then I am indeed a “bad” writer. I know writers who self-publish simply because –and they won’t admit this — they are unwilling to listen to critics. Then they wonder why their sales are paltry. I buy their books to support them, but rarely finish reading the books because their craft is so weak.
Passion125

My thought, writers must have move reader’s mind .
TheNight

They can seem
haughty, prideful, and arrogant….

I’ll admit this
is me!

They spend
hours and days, revising. They take criticism and feedback, listening to both
the external and internal voices that drive them…

But so is this
guy.

I see revising
my work like drawing a masterpiece, really. And it’s just what I write,

masterpieces!
Noorihafiz

I always have a hard time with writers block. I keep my book with me all the time in case it goes but I usually end the day with the same amount of writing I bad when i started the day lol. What advice would you give to get rid of writers block?
Brent

Jeff, as a fixture in the Top Reviewers Forum on Amazon, I see examples of your blog frequently. We often get self-professed authors showing up requesting critiques or reviews of their great book. Often they actually say, “I’d love for someone to take a look at my book and give me their honest opinion!”

What they really mean is, “I’m great and I know it! Read my book and bow at my feet! After all, I WROTE a BOOK. I’m SPECIAL!”

Very seldom do I turn down their request, and very seldom do I have to read all of their first chapter to get to the gist of the situation. After I get through telling them that they need to study grammar, that most sentences should contain fewer than 60 words, that they make homonym mistakes (or worse) too often, that their hero and plot are juvenile fantasy cliches, that they should spend the first ten pages constantly interrupting the start of their real story for character back-story, that their dialogue sound like conversations between twelve years old … just to name a few of the common problems I find … it turns out that they didn’t “really” want someone’s honest opinion.

I don’t tell them these things in a snarky way. I am polite but I am matter of fact. It doesn’t matter. Not once have I received any sincere thanks for giving them the most useful reply they could get in their quest to become a writer. I have recently taken to providing them lists of excellent books that could teach them something about writing. They don’t want to hear it. They believe that if they can type they are capable of writing a clean sentence, and they are wrong about that. LOL

Self-publishing is a big part of the culprit here. When writers had to submit to editors and get turned down, they had to improve. Now they upload that trash, confident that it is Heinlein or Steinbeck or Tolkien or Nora Roberts.

It is sad, because virtually NONE of those writers are ever going to improve, because they don’t think there is any reason for them to improve. Any criticism is mean spirited and unfair.
- http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins
  
  Hah! Interesting. I am guilty of this myself.
- http://www.facebook.com/myunghee.yuk.7 Myung-Hee Yuk
  
  I don’t think thats why people self publish. Self publishing is 90% cheaper than paying a company or person to edit, critisize, and publish your work. Which can go up to 5,000$ and more in total. Compared to only spending 5$-70$ for self publish. Money also plays a give role in book writing as well. Money that half of those people do not have. The rest are just cheap and trying to find the easy way out.
Brent

Sorry for two typos below.

One should read “shouldn’t spend the first ten pages”

“twelves years old” should be “twelve year olds”
http://inhisloveministries.blogspot.com/ Pilar Arsenec

Wow, I would love to be like you when I grow up (I’m 45 lol). I want to be a better writer, and I have been practicing. I am as one teacher put it, a ruthless editor with my own work. I edit, and edit and edit and after I edit some more, I still think my work is crap, go figure… I think I struggle with pride because I want my writing to be great and know that it’s not LOL. But I will keep writing like you say and practicing. Maybe by the time I reach 85 (that’s if God graces me with long life), I will be published. LOL!
http://www.facebook.com/david.helton.92 David Helton

A little over a year ago I decided I want to be a writer. I am very serious about it but I have been struggling to find the motivation to write every day; to write without editing as I go; to write for long periods of time. I have read a lot of motivational/inspirational stuff for writers to get me jump-started, but nothing has hit me in the gut as hard and as effectively as this post. I can’t say what exactly it is that makes this different, but I’m grateful to you for it. Whenever my will to write starts to slip through my fingers I reread this post and I get a firm grip on it again. Thank you.
Sally Saylor De Smet

I ran into your article quite by accident – doing research for my book, actually. What a great article! It actually gave me some hope that I’m going in the right direction, because I’ve become more disciplined and open in my writing. I used to fall into the pitfalls you mentioned in your article – it’s nice to know that i’m not alone. Great article – thank you for sharing.
Lori

I am an aspiring writer, and have so much to say. Clearly I am a bad writer, I want to be better I just do not know where to begin? Its funny because you stated that the bad writers think they are Great writers..lol when I am writing an essay for class my 25 year old brother has to do some editing for me and I am 32 I am ashamed. Please give suggestions on how to be better and how to relay ALL the ideas I have on paper… My brother specifically said my writing was scattered and disconnected.
- Lelane
  
  Take a break. Get some experience. It will refresh you and your writing. Too many people insist on so many hours or pages a da—until you suffer from writer burnout. There are other–successful writers who say just the opposite. I lean heavily toward them..Good luck.
Denise

For me, being a good writer means sacrificing my “self” for the piece I’m working on. I don’t care if I’m successful … I just want my piece to hit its mark. I want people to “get” the message I’m trying to convey so I want every word to take the reader in that direction. I don’t care how long I have to agonize over a line until find the right word or the right way of saying it. In the end, I just want people to be as excited to read it as I am. Yes, I go back and read my own work repeatedly. I’m like an arsenist … I don’t just want to set the world on fire, I want to go back and watch it burn because the flames are always the best part.
Denise

Sorry, poor editing half way down. I meant to say “until I find the right word”. Oops!
Mark

I believe, that a good writer must take upon themselves and follow through with what was destined to be, a great writer. Good writers are consistent, and continue to practice every day. A bad writer on the other hand, is from what I believe, well only yourself can make your self that way… Bad writers must push harder to grow to be more intelligent individuals. The bad writer, does not comprehend as well. Therefore without better than basic knowledge of words, they will not extent there wealth. Also life wont be filled with as much joy, because of words. You wont live as lively, vivacious, and pleasurable with no sense of good writing and attracting dialog with such impressive word use. Writing is a way of life.
Guest

Great writer by the way, moving with words creating interested readers by your creative writing style.
K A Unsworth

Thank you, related to your thoughts on good and bad writers. I actually get stuck going over my work too much and can’t get to the end, even though I know how it is going to end. Hard work and determination are two things I can do! Problem is I daydream and start writing a new idea instead of finishing the half story. So thank you this little day dreamer is going to finish something. I read a fridge magnet saying be like a postage stamp….stick to something until you get there…….
Kath Unsworth

I remember having the pleasure of waitressing in a corporate box where my idol Thomas Keneally (Schindlers Ark) was enjoying a game of football. What stunned me the most about this famous Australian writer was his down to earth attitude. He even asked me my name and offered to poor the wine when I had my hands full of trays etc. If you did not know who he was by sight you would have remembered him anyway, due to his interest in life and passion for people in general. So famous and yet so humble.
Karen Trento

The difference between a good writer and a bad writer is: One who is not afraid of making mistakes, one who writes everyday at least 2 hours or more a day! Someone who goes the extra mile….
- http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins
  
  love that!
Linac

This was wonderful. Simple little blog post, and yes speaks volumes!
- http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins
  
  thanks!
Grace Lavigne

This helped me rethink a few things! Thanks.
Gzavgorodni

After receiving a disappointing C+ in Victorian Literature, I almost put down my pen for good. I need to put on some gloves and show the winter of literature what I am made of! Thank you. I will stop being a bad writer.

“We are all apprentices in a craft where no one ever becomes a master.”
—Ernest Hemingway
Leandra

I think they have to have something burning inside to share. There seem to be two schools of writing: one weighing on the side of experience—experiencing much exotica like the author of Eat, Pray, Love—and the other camp, those who hide out and write—I think a melange is necessary. Few have the proper balance. I think it’s very important having something very important to you..some issue—that you’re uncertain about and needs resolution, or discovery—not simply an outer let’s see what’s hot approach—like Picoult. Topical is passing, universal is not.
Mcal515151

Very interesting article! I love reading your perspectives

That said, the definition of what constitutes “good writing” varies pretty dramatically based on literary period. Let’s face it; back in the day, it was frequently the case that more words = better writing, and the more flowery the prose, the more “haute couture” it was considered to be. Think Charles Dickens. Think pay-per-word. Today, we largely abide by “minimalism is the ultimate sophistication” and urge everyone to chop as many adverbs as possible from their manuscripts. Think Hemingway. Think every postmodern writer who cuts and cuts and cuts their draft until nothing but the skeleton remains.

Same goes for larger questions of theme; support an unpopular social movement in your writing? Were you that poor soul who wrote The Awakening in a prefeminist society? Well screw you, you’re a terrible writer! Never mind the fact that scores of children will be reading your work and sighing in awe 100 years from now in a postfeminist English classroom. You were once viewed as an uppity disgrace to humanity, and now, as supremely perceptive, avante-garde literary genius!

I suppose I’m trying to say that yes, certainly, there is an element of craft to writing and mastery over the craft is immediately noticeable. But who gets to decide what is “good” and what isn’t? Isn’t that label a tad … subjective?
Val Lee

It’s a little hard for me to say what I think is a “good writer” or a “bad writer”. Especially, after reading this. In my opinion, I believe everyone on this planet has at least one good book they could write. It’s just a matter of getting it out there.

I do agree that a “bad writer” is unlikely going to get their story completed, unless they are able to overcome the thing that is holding them back. There are plenty of good writers out there, who on occasion write some pretty terrible pieces of literature.

Good writing vs. bad writing. It’s pretty much subjective depending on the audience of whom they are trying to reach.

I do agree upon this. A writer who allows fear to hinder their ability to put words on paper, does not allow themselves to experience the gratification of becoming a “good writer”.
Afnan Adam

One of the biggest regrets of my life is dropping out of my Lit class this year. I enjoyed reading Catcher in the Rye, laughing at Holden’s acute observations about those phonies he made fun of. I enjoyed reading Hamlet because of Shakespeare’s creativity and wisdom. I later on figured out that the only reason why I switched out of the class wasn’t because I was failing;it was pride. I did not want to struggle to achieve something.Then, I realized what made writing and literature so beautiful to me is the ability that it grows as you do. I realized that if I wanted to mature, I have to keep writing.

Thanks for the article
Afnan
(PS I posted my favorite quote on writing on the bottom)
Schonberger15

What you say is true. I’m writing my first novel. The first time it was edited by a professional, I couldn’t handle it. I had to ask myself, who knows best? Me, the fledgling novelist, or an editor with published work and years of experience? I had to humble myself and be open to advice and change. Since then, my writing has improved no end, and I’m still learning, everyday.
Austin

I’d really love to draw or write, but I don’t think I will ever seriously pursue that. Because I know I just can’t handle it. I can’t stand my own works. I’m just so critical of myself and I know it makes me a worse person but I don’t know what to do about it. Some people can just jump into the fray, kick off on the right foot, and pull through to the end. But those people don’t really understand that that’s really hard for me.
Mary

Ya some really really bad writers think they are good writers. One is Harlan Coben. This hack is an international writer & for reasons I cant explain why. His dialogue is childish. His stories & style are something from Grade 7, yet people love this guy. WHY? Please someone explain.

I just finished reading Timothy Findley’s Pilgrim. Now that was a great read. You can tell this guy has a gift. Compare dialogue with Findley & Coben & right away you will notice who the good writer is.

I think marketing has a lot to do with what makes a bad writer good. The PR force upon the dim-witted saps that this or that novel is worth the read but when u do, it far from it.

Be your own mind.
Hallynmune

Thank you sir, you’ve given me hope to continue persevering. I am an aspiring writer, and I find it hard to write a story… Blaming it on lack of talent, i was about to give up. Although all i needed was to be less lazy and work harder. Great post
http://selfstairway.com/ Vincent Nguyen

Thank you Jeff, I was doubting myself and my own writing abilities. I began to second guess myself and ask if my own content was any good. You are right, perseverance is what distinguishes the genius from someone who is merely decent. I suppose when I was willing to doubt myself, I fell into the latter category. Only time will reveal whether or not I am a genius.
Geraldinegerard56

I had to give a speech about the difference between “good writers” and ” bad writer”,

this piece was very helpful. Thank you!!!!!
R.Gokarn

You have nailed most of the points. The art of writing well is a book in itself.

I take inspiration from William Zinsser. Writing needs to be simple, uncluttered and devoid of pretense.

Unfortunately this is easier said than done. For many words are used to fill space on the page and SEO. They do not concern themselves with the craft.

Good writers are thoughtful. Each post is there for one single purpose, to add value to the reader.
- http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins
  
  Love Zinsser!
Jayce Courtouac

Too write (a play on a classic piece of Aussie vernacular)!
http://www.facebook.com/theroughwriter James Duren

I’m really wrestling with this article, Jeff. I love “You can outlast those who are lucky and out-work those who are lazy.” I believe that with my whole heart.

But I also believe that writing is an art form, as you do. That gives the craft a sense of transcendence; that writing is not a formulaic hobby. Sometimes I worry that posts like this too easily say, “Everyone can be a writer. You just have to work hard, and eventually you’ll be good.”

That’s not true.

Writers who leave an enduring mark do so because their words are timeless. I love Ernest Hemingway not because of how many hours he practiced, edited or labored; I love him because his words extend beyond his era, his voice is fantastically simple and his stories encompass the best and worst of life.

There is something unique about good writers. They are artists. And if everybody is an artist, then nobody is an artist.

The same is true for writers, and I worry that “you are a writer if you say you are” and “good writers are the ones who persevere” moves writing away from an art form and toward a watered-down hobby.

-J.R.
http://www.scribesunited.com