Writing is so interesting because it is one of those things which is both a skill and a talent.
The difference between those two is that a skill is a buildable, progressive thing you can practice and work on and improve on over time and a talent (at its core) is more inherent. It’s something you have.
Those are my definitions. Let’s check in with Merriam-Webster for the official ones.
Skill: “1a: the ability to use one’s knowledge effectively and readily in execution or performance
b: dexterity or coordination especially in the execution of learned physical tasks
2: a learned power of doing something competently: a developed aptitude or ability. Language skills”
Talent: “1a: a special often athletic, creative, or artistic aptitude
b: general intelligence or mental power; ability
2: the natural endowments of a person”
Oh, good! Pretty similar. Feels good — and I love words and knowing and learning precise definitions and synonyms, antonyms. I am a proud word nerd.
Singing is another great example. You can be born with and grow up with a good or great singing voice, and you will still improve and learn to sing even better with practice and lessons.
My Writing Evolution
I was recently asked about how my writing has evolved or changed over the years and I was struck by how fantastic of a question it was.
My writing has evolved over time from being more personal and for me (such as LiveJournal and my first Blogspot blog) to writing FOR and TO an audience and my readers.
I am much more focused on trying to give information or teach something than in just writing to myself. I can write to myself in a journal, and I sometimes do, but I now prefer my online writing to be useful and valuable to others.
I also write for my business. As a freelance writer, I am often writing for specific companies or people. I needed to learn how to write in different tones and styles in order to get their messages across while fitting their brand.
Even when I wrote my books, they are both so different in style, tone, messaging, and audience. The writing for each is different and distinct.
It’s extremely interesting to think of the changing, adapting, and evolving writing.
How has your writing changed over the years?
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