Writing: Not A Talent, But A Skill Honed Through Practice, by Isaac Asabor

Many people, upon reading an engaging article or compelling narrative, often praise the writer, attributing their prowess to talent. However, writing, in its essence, is not a talent, it is a skill developed through consistent effort, learning, and practice. While talent is an innate, natural ability one is born with, writing is something acquired over time, shaped by the writer’s dedication, education, and experience.

I can personally attest to this. In both primary and secondary schools, my writing abilities were far from stellar. In fact, there were examinations where I failed English or only managed average scores, primarily because my essays lacked the depth and structure that examiners expected. If writing were truly a talent, one might assume I would have excelled effortlessly in those early years, but that was not the case.

Talent is something that requires little to no formal training. A person gifted with a talent in art, music, or athletics demonstrates an almost instinctive ability to excel in these areas from a young age. However, even the most talented individuals must refine their abilities through practice and discipline.

Writing, on the other hand, is learned. It is a craft that demands hard work and perseverance. To become proficient in writing, one must understand the mechanics of language, grammar, and structure. This is not something you are born with, but rather, it is cultivated over time.

To draw a clearer distinction, consider a talented athlete. A naturally gifted sprinter might have an extraordinary starting speed from childhood. However, without rigorous training, proper nutrition, and discipline, they would not reach their full potential. Similarly, even those with a flair for words must nurture their skills through learning and honing their craft.

While talent may provide an initial advantage, skill is what sustains success. Writing does not involve a natural, effortless flow of words from birth; it requires continuous development. People often misinterpret fluency and creativity in writing as signs of an innate talent, when in reality, these are the results of years of practice and refinement.

Learning to write well is a process. Writers, whether beginners or seasoned professionals, go through stages of development. They experiment with different styles, voices, and genres. Along the way, they make mistakes, which become opportunities for growth. They read widely, absorbing lessons from other writers and incorporating these techniques into their own work.

For example, my early writing was often stilted and disorganized. I struggled to express my ideas clearly, and my essays lacked structure. Yet over time, through consistent practice and the feedback of teachers, mentors, and peers, I gradually improved. I studied grammar, expanded my vocabulary, and learned how to build cohesive arguments. Slowly but surely, the skill of writing took shape.

This growth was not accidental. It required effort. I needed to rewrite and revise numerous drafts, sometimes feeling frustrated by my lack of progress. But it was in those moments of struggle that the skill truly developed. Writing, like any other skill, involves a cycle of effort, feedback, reflection, and revision.

The famous American writer Ernest Hemingway once said, “We are all apprentices in a craft where no one ever becomes a master.” Writing is one such craft. Anyone can learn to write well, but like all skills, it takes continuous practice and dedication. A writer develops their voice, tone, and mastery over storytelling through repeated attempts, mistakes, and revisions.

The journey to becoming a skilled writer is not always easy. It requires resilience and the willingness to learn. I have spent years reading, analyzing, and writing to sharpen my abilities, and the progress did not happen overnight. If it were a talent, I would have been writing flawless prose from childhood.

The importance of practice cannot be overstated. In the same way an athlete must train to maintain peak performance, a writer must continuously practice to refine their skills. Writing regularly, whether through journaling, blogging, or drafting essays, allows for the gradual improvement of one’s craft. Each word written contributes to better grammar, enhanced vocabulary, and the development of unique writing styles.

One of the biggest misconceptions surrounding writing is that it should flow effortlessly from the mind to the page, as if words were simply waiting to be released. This view is often romanticized in movies and books, where writers are portrayed as people struck by sudden inspiration, producing literary masterpieces in one go.

In reality, writing is rarely, if ever, effortless. Even the most celebrated authors have spoken about their struggles with writing. J.K. Rowling, for example, has mentioned the laborious process of drafting and revising the “Harry Potter” series. Pulitzer Prize-winning author John Steinbeck once said, “The writer must believe that what he is doing is the most important thing in the world, and he must hold to this illusion even when he knows it is not true.”

What many readers see as polished, fluid writing is often the result of multiple drafts, rewrites, and a painstaking attention to detail. Good writing is rarely spontaneous. It requires thought, planning, and editing.

Writers often face writer’s block, frustration, and self-doubt. These challenges are not indications of a lack of talent but are part of the process of developing skill. The key to overcoming these obstacles is persistence. Through practice and dedication, a writer learns how to navigate creative blocks, find inspiration, and push through the difficult moments.

Some may argue that gifted writers seem to possess a natural flow of words, but this fluidity often comes from years of study and practice, not an inherent gift. In fact, many accomplished writers struggled early in their careers and only achieved success after much trial and error.

Consider Stephen King, one of the most prolific and successful authors of our time. In his memoir “On Writing”, King describes the challenges he faced before his breakthrough. He submitted numerous manuscripts that were rejected, yet he kept writing. It was his persistence, not an inborn talent that ultimately led to his success.

Another example is Mark Twain, whose early attempts at writing were met with little success. Twain developed his skills over time, learning from his mistakes and continuing to practice until he became one of the most renowned writers in American literature.

Writing is not about being born with a special ability, it is about putting in the effort. Like learning to play an instrument or mastering a sport, writing can be improved upon by anyone willing to invest the time.

When we recognize writing as a skill rather than a talent, we open the door for more people to embrace it. If writing were reserved only for those “born with the gift,” many would be discouraged from ever attempting to write seriously. By understanding that writing is a learnable skill, we empower ourselves to pursue it, knowing that improvement is possible with dedication and effort.

This shift in mindset is crucial for anyone aspiring to become a better writer. Instead of waiting for inspiration or doubting their ability, aspiring writers should focus on honing their craft, practicing consistently, and seeking feedback.

Writing is a skill that can benefit anyone, regardless of their profession or interests. It improves communication, sharpens thinking, and enhances creativity. Whether one writes for work, personal expression, or public communication, the ability to write effectively is invaluable.

While the notion of being a “talented writer” may be flattering, it is a misunderstanding of what writing truly is. Writing is a skill, one that I have had to work hard to acquire. Through dedication, continuous learning, and countless hours of practice, I have developed this skill. It is not something that comes naturally; it is something I have earned through effort.

So the next time you read a piece of writing that moves or inspires you, remember that behind it lies a journey of hard work, learning, and determination, not a talent bestowed at birth. Writing is not a gift handed down from the heavens, but a skill that is available to anyone willing to work for it.