The Making of a Successful Writer

You are probably asking yourself now, "What qualifications must I have to become a successful writer?"

Successful writers usually have an unusual keen imagination, a good sense of humor, a great understanding of human nature, an excellent command of English, and good judgment.

Let me elaborate further.

A keen imagination.

We would not have skyscrapers, cars, jet planes, computers, cell phones were it not for the imagination of men. Imagination is an indispensable tool to a successful letter writer. It gives color and meaning to his writings. He writes vividly and convincingly in compelling language. He visualizes in his mind words and phrases that will appeal to his readers and induce them to act. He is one who avoids long, worn-out words and phrases that are no longer in use and have lost their timely appeal. Colorless and vague expressions find no place in his vocabulary.

An ordinary writer would write,  "Our menu is very appetizing".

But to him who is imaginative will write, "Our steak has a matchless aroma and flavor, with a richness you will find like no other; the richness and fullness of luscious, especially grilled, marinated  meat, blended with spices and herbs and delicate seasoning . . ." 

So, there you are . . . 

A good sense of humor.

The success of your letter will depend largely on how you deal with people and, in the most part, your view of life itself. Successful writers are friendly and gracious. They smile in the face of adversity, take themselves seriously but not too seriously, are mindful of human strength and frailty and are well aware of the fancies and foibles of human nature. A good writer strives for perfection but does not despair when all else fail. He is as ready to take criticism as he is to give it. He has a sense of balance and understanding of human nature.

A great understanding of human nature.

A successful writer is a keen observer of human nature. He likes  people and studies them. He knows and understands very well their shortcomings and their virtues, their weaknesses and their strengths, their likes and dislikes, their failures and their accomplishments, their joys and their sorrows, their hopes and aspirations.

The more you know about the person to whom you are writing, the easier will be your task in approaching him. You cannot hope to influence or convince people until you know them - their lifestyles, their tastes, their attitudes. Can you write to them as naturally, and as unaffectedly, without knowing them, in a style most suitable to the individual reader? Are you adaptable and flexible without being insincere? Can you keep a sense of dignity which indicates that you, a stranger, respect the reader's personality, and yet not be forbidding about it? Such problems as these are not difficult to the person who understands human nature.

An excellent command of English.

In today's  highly competitive world, businesses are seeking for individuals who are well informed, particularly those who have an excellent command of English. Nothing is too difficult to them  should they be tasked to write a correspondence or a memo, prepare a technical report, conduct a meeting, or speak in a forum. Individuals with forceful and pleasing personalities are in great demand today, and such persons always have a ready opinion and an able pen.

Good judgment.

Individuals who possess and render good judgment do not allow prejudices, preferences, or personalities to influence their decisions. They have a keen intellect, a normal perspective of things, a thorough understanding of human nature, sincerity and integrity.

If you have all these qualities, you, without a doubt, have the making of a successful writer.