What is a Good Writer?

Being a good writer is a lot more than just telling a story or writing about a certain subject. It takes time and practice. A good writer is one who is able to address a specific question or concern in a simple, straightforward manner. This involves holding a reader's attention, relaying pertinent facts, avoiding superfluous words and overused phrases.

An intriguing title that deals with the subject matter is essential. Avoid trying to be cute or using flashy titles. Just stick to the subject matter when choosing a title. Use a title that best relays the subject of your message. Remember, shorter is better as it will stick with the reader longer.

Punctuation and grammar are also essential skills when it comes to good writing. Nothing will turn a reader off faster than being distracted from your message by poor spelling, grammar faux pas, and incorrect punctuation. Keeping a thesaurus and dictionary nearby is a good habit for writers. Use it often. Proofread your work carefully. Once you have finished writing, leave it for at least a few hours and then go back and read it again. Spelling, punctuation and grammar errors are easy to overlook at first glance.

You should also use quality resource materials from credible sources to support your work unless you are writing from your own personal experience. Your subject matter will dictate what references will be needed. Try to find credible references that a reader can use to find out more information about the subject. Educational and government references are considered credible for academic subjects. If you are writing about a specific subject such as crafts, try to find an expert in the subject to use as a reference or a resource for further reading.

The biggest questions to ask yourself when writing is, "have I answered the question asked in a clear and understandable manner?" Writing unique content means saying something in a way different than the hundreds of times it has been said before. This sometimes calls for a unique approach and thinking "outside of the box."

Your closing is also important. Leave the reader with a feeling he has gained valuable insight about the topic with enough resources to find additional information if needed. Using these methods will increase your chances of having repeat customers and return readers.