Talent or Skill? The Truth About Becoming a Better Writer

Over the years, countless people have asked me to evaluate their writing. The question is almost always the same:

"Do I have talent? If I do, I’ll keep writing. If not, I’ll stick to accounting (or marketing, or tech, or… you get the idea)."

I get it. No one wants to waste time chasing an impossible dream. But this way of thinking is fundamentally flawed. Writing isn’t about some mystical, inborn gift. It’s a skill—one that can be learned, practiced, and improved.

When I taught English Composition at various colleges, I saw this firsthand. Students who started the semester turning in lifeless, clunky essays were submitting compelling, well-structured pieces by the end. I’ve also witnessed “okay” writers consistently land assignments while incredibly talented wordsmiths struggled to get published.

Talent vs. Mindset

Stanford psychology professor Carol Dweck backs this up. In her book Mindset: The New Psychology of Success, she explains that people who believe talent is fixed often fail to reach their potential. They struggle to recover from setbacks and give up too soon.

On the other hand, those who believe skills can be developed—regardless of their starting point—not only achieve more but also inspire growth in those around them.

And the best part? You can change your mindset. In just two months, kids who were taught that the brain, like a muscle, strengthens with use saw their failing math scores jump to B’s.

So, forget the idea that you either have writing talent or you don’t. Instead, focus on developing the skills that make a successful writer.

The 5 Essential Skills for Writers

1. Word Awareness
   Words have nuance, and good writers understand the subtle differences. A solid dictionary can teach you, for example, whether a "cauldron" is just a fancy "kettle" or when a gang member would have "bravery" versus "bravado."

2. Reader-Focused Writing
   It’s not about what you meant—it’s about how the reader understands what you wrote. If your audience doesn’t “get it,” you need to revise. Writers who cling to what they intended rather than how their words are receivedstruggle the most.

3. Revising Without Ego
   Writing is rewriting. Being willing to step away from your work and then return with fresh eyes to rearrange, replace, and refine is what makes a piece stronger.

4. Mastering the Basics
   Spelling, grammar, and usage matter. Sure, editors can fix mistakes, but they prefer working with writers who already know the rules. Learning the foundations of language makes you a professional, not just a hobbyist.

5. Resilience
   Rejection is part of the writing business—it never goes away. Successful writers feel the sting for an hour or so, then move on to the next pitch, the next outlet, or the next project.

The Bottom Line

From everything I’ve seen, these five skills determine writing success far more than raw talent. If you commit to developing them, you will grow as a writer—and eventually, you’ll find your place in the publishing world.

Really.