Home
>
Article Writing
>
Do You Have the Characteristics of an Article Writer?

Do You Have the Characteristics of an Article Writer?

In order to answer the question I've just asked in the title, I decided to interview myself. (Now there's a stretch). After all, I've spent a lot of time reading the instructions of the people who profess to make a lot of money writing and I've spent a lot of money on the written word about writing the word so if I put it all together I should be an expert. Right?

So I figured, I'll talk to an expert, someone who has spent a lot of time and money buying the writing of people like you and me. Me

To get my opinion, I made a list of characteristics - things that I feel are important in a writer ? and gave myself the task of rating them from 1 (most important) to 7 (least important). Before we go further, I'd like to ask you to perform the same exercise. Just number the following characteristics, the definition will have to your own interpretation, based on your life experiences. Just go ahead and put your number in the space to the right of each characteristic.

Love of writing

Professionalism

Quality of writing

Self-Assuredness

Self-motivation

Talent

Writing Style

Now to the business at hand.

Let's take the list in order and see where it takes us, shall we?

"Love of writing"- let's face it writing is not like being a great artist; even the mediocre among us can learn to write and might even be interesting.

In fact, that's where talent may be detrimental, if you stop to think about it. Those with writing gifts figure that their ability should some how make writing easy for them ? and when they find out, this is not fiction writing, its some plodding writing with much research, rewriting and trying to decide what the facts are. Which is all part of writing a good article, they become disillusioned. Suddenly they realize that something they enjoy as play is really going to be work.

You can be a writer without talent. But without the desire, every word you write will come hard and leaden. You won't last or turn out articles that will be read.

The desire to write, the "Love of Writing", I felt was number 4. There are those that think I have forgotten something and of course when you think about it they maybe right, does anyone care if you like what you are doing? Fact is a lot of people have jobs they don't care for but most manage to do a reasonable job despite not "loving it".

"Professionalism" ? I've defined "professionalism" as "knowing what you are writing is going to be one hell of a good read". It means that you have done your research, presented them in a professional manner and are ready to stand behind your article. You have presented an article that is of the proper length and of a quality that is above reproach. I rated Professionalism number 1. What did you think?

"Quality of Writing" ? Quality of writing is what your readers will see of you. Recognizing this, you should realize that if your writings were good your readers would know it. That is what will bring them back for more. If your article doesn't impress your reader, don't spend time wondering what's wrong with the reader. Ninety nine times out of one hundred it is your writing, and only by facing that will get you to the point where people will buy into your point of view. I rated Quality of writing number 2.

"Self-assuredness" ? When we come right down to it, self-assuredness ? as well as the other qualities we discuss, are subject to interpretation of the reader. No one can tell if you're self-assured simply by reading your work, we can however determine that you seem to be. Of course there is no question that self-assured people inspire confidence, in their readers. Perception is paramount and if your reader sees you as someone that will do the right thing, you've got the job. Of course we all can be fooled but remember "Quality of Writing" will out. I rated "Self-Assuredness" number 7.

"Self motivation" ? Now this is a biggie, because if you have ever set down to write there are many things that will get in the way, getting a cup of coffee, sharpening your pencil, etc. These are all of the things that get in the way of your "motivation". Of course we are talking about enthusiasm mixed with the desire to achieve. Self-motivation is the one key characteristic that can make or break you as a writer. You may think that this kind of enthusiasm is merely naivet? in disguise, but I wouldn't mind having some more of it myself. I rated "Self-motivation" number 6 but maybe it should have been higher.

"Talent" ? In my opinion talent isn't something you achieve, you can't get it through training or study or even osmosis. You get it naturally ? you are born with it. So by default you don't need Talent to become a good article writer because a person with average verbal skills can be trained to write acceptable articles.

Maybe you find that statement disturbing, I know I certainly do but it is true, you can learn to be a good writer; of course if you lack talent you must work much harder and differently. I rated "Talent" number 5.

"Writing Style" ? When writers talk about "Style" its apparent that they view it as something as unique as a finger print, a way of writing that will put their own inimitable stamp on their work. That's not it, actually. Style is simply how you string your words together. It doesn't have to be unique: infact, when it is, it can get in the way: unique gets tiresome.

I really don't think style is anything you can intentionally develop ? not anymore than you can wish wrinkles on yourself. Nor is it important that your work be encompassed by any such personalizing description. What is important that your writing is a form and logic and propels your reader along and makes the reading just about irresistible. When it reaches the point that the paper you have just typed on tells you what's needed instead of the other way around, you have developed style. I rated "Style" number 3.

In conclusion, to answer the question before us, we must analysis the facts we have gathered. Since I interviewed myself for this piece, these conclusions will have to be mine and I am sure you will come up with your own conclusions. I hope we have given you something to think about.

I have concluded that you must have professionalism at least as defined by Webster's Dictionary. (Remembering we are not talking fiction.) If you don't know what you are talking about your reader will know. If that is the case why write it down. I further concluded that you must develop a quality and style to your writing which gives you the confidence to continue. You must love to write or at least feel some joy in putting words on paper or you won't succeed. Then of course it's nice if you have talent and self-motivation, but I don't feel that the lack of these will hinder you from success if you really want to write.

William McNutt
Copy Righted 2005 All rights reserved.

This article may be freely distributed and reprinted as long as the author's information and web link are included at the bottom of the article.

About the Author

Bill McNutt is a freelance writer and web designer. Having retired as an Aerospace Engineer after 30 years, he became fascinated with web site design, retirement got boring. He now writes articles about his website contents and adds to his websites. truck accessories

recurring maid service Buffalo Grove ..

In The News:

Scammers use fake DocuSign emails claiming Apple Pay charges to steal personal information using fraudulent phone numbers and fake receipts.

Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future.

Farmers Insurance confirms data breach affecting over 1.1 million customers nationwide, exposing customer info including addresses.

The iconic Mary Kay pink Cadillac goes electric with the Cadillac Optiq, available only to the company's top 1% of sales force performers.

Cybercriminals abuse trusted Intel driver to gain kernel access and shut down Windows Defender, enabling undetected malware deployment since July 2025.

Using email aliases for online shopping and subscriptions can protect your privacy by preventing companies from linking your activity across websites.

New research shows AI overlap does not equal job replacement, with knowledge-based roles seeing most integration while physical jobs remain least affected.

Scammers target seniors who avoid social media by exploiting public records like obituaries and real estate filings to steal personal information and money

Recovery team in Italy use AI-enabled drones to detect missing hiker's red helmet, leading to successful recovery after months of ground searches

Google Salesforce system breach exposes business data while scammers use incident to target users with fake security calls and phishing attempts.

Google announces Pixel 10 lineup with Tensor G5 chip and Gemini Nano AI, introducing Magic Cue, Pro Res Zoom up to 100x and satellite emergency support features.

C San Diego study reveals 86% of school safety companies monitor students 24/7 on personal devices, raising privacy concerns.

Users can now add their favorite outlets' coverage to the Top Stories section of Google search results by utilizing the 'preferred sources' feature. With just a few clicks, you can add Fox News.

Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future.

Interstellar object 3I/ATLAS shows an unexpected frontal glow that Harvard's Avi Loeb says cannot be explained by sunlight reflection or standard cometary outgassing.

Receiving order confirmations for purchases you never made could mean your email address is being exploited in fraud operations targeting multiple retailers.

First wireless brain implant works with Apple's official protocol, enabling hands-free control of iPhones, iPads and Vision Pro through thought alone.

Data brokers sell personal details that scammers use to target retirement funds through fake financial advisor calls and convincing phishing attempts

Ten innovative tech solutions from gait sensors to smart pill dispensers help adults 65+ track fall risks and prevent injuries before they happen.

Meta AI internal documents revealed chatbots were allowed to flirt with children and engage in romantic conversations until the company was exposed by Reuters.

ChatGPT will avoid giving direct mental health advice under new OpenAI rules following instances where the AI model provided harmful or misleading responses.

Your phone tracks you in more ways than that little GPS icon suggests. Here’s how to find and clear hidden location logs on iPhone and Android.

Authorities in France and the Netherlands have been notified. Meanwhile, impacted customers are being told to stay alert.

Apple just rolled out a redesigned Blood Oxygen feature to specific models, following a recent victory in a legal dispute.

Kidney dialysis provider DaVita experienced a ransomware breach by the Interlock gang affecting 916,000 people in the second-largest U.S. healthcare attack of 2025.

Do You Have the Characteristics of an Article Writer?

Article Writing