THE ART OF WRITING

5 Writing Myths Busted

When people get together, one thing they all have in common is the desire to talk and share their experiences. Often, that urge transforms into something a little more enjoyable, but potentially deadly — gossip. Gossip can be entertaining, but it can also be hazardous because it spreads quickly (since it's entertaining) and frequently distorts or completely ignores the truth. In many disciplines and professions, gossip spawns myths, and the field of writing is no exception.

The following are the top five writing myths:

Myth 1: Some people find writing easy. Let me tell you, that is the biggest myth out there. For nearly three decades, I've worked as a professional writer. In addition, I am acquainted with a number of other professional writers of varied ages, e.g.

Myth #2: It takes skills to write well. I'm not going to lie to you. Talent can surely assist, and it is talent that distinguishes great authors from good ones. However, talent alone does not make a writer great or even good, and skill is not a condition for becoming a good writer. Writing is a skill that can be learnt, honed, and improved upon. You will improve and grow as a writer if you practice your art, study other people's work to learn more about it, and seek and accept feedback and ideas about your writing. Dedication combined with talent can produce incredible outcomes, but if I had to choose only one, I'd go with dedication. You can always up the stakes.

Myth #3: Writing isn't an important skill to have. I've spent my whole professional life as a writer, but even if you don't plan to earn a living with words, you'll need this essential ability. There isn't a single career that doesn't require writing. Although the format may differ, written communication is essential in every professional discipline. Your ability to write has a big impact on getting a job and moving on in your career. In today's world, written communication is more important than ever in both professional and personal interactions.

Myth #4: As a writer, you can't make a life. When I told my father that I intended to major in English in college, he was surprised. He was quite concerned.