Personal Flaws

The personal flaws that seemingly hold you back in life may be exactly the things you need to develop as a writer.

What are the basics of our flaws? Where do they come from?

They come from a core part of our being. Each one of us has a deep core identity that makes us a unique individual. Onto this basic core we attach stuff. And it is this stuff that messes up who we are and what we can achieve.

For example, depending on how you look at things, I have a very discerning eye or, I am a obnoxious critic. Any communication that misses the mark, grates me. Especially television adverts that miss the mark. They stand out because they are short and repeat often. Therefore their 'mistakes' gets repeated so many times that you cannot not notice it. At least, not me. When I watch television I need to watch my tongue.

BUT, in terms of writing, picking the right words for the right effect, is what I would need for good editing. This critical side of me is a good quality.

If I color it in negatively I deny myself the use of this ability. If I color it in positively I can use it, and develop it as part of my unique package.

Have a look at what you have perceived as negative qualities. Turn them around or inside out and see what are the positive aspect of it.

How does that impact on your writing?

Can you take a negative and develop it as a positive? It might in fact be the one thing that makes you stand out as a writer. It might be the one thing that becomes your brand.

Elijahu M. Goldratt (His most recent business novel is "The Choice") is reportedly an abrasive perfectionist. He gets away with having people pay to be called stupid by him. He can get away with this because he has proven that he can back up the statement. Had he denied himself this 'strength' he would not have been the writer with the impact he had.

Gerhi Janse van Vuuren

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== Gerhi Janse van Vuuren is a writer. Read more of his articles at 2 Write a Book.com or visit his personal site at Gerhi.com ==

Links:

The Choice - Elijahu M. Goldratt

The book is structured as a dialogue between the author and his daughter Efrat, where he attempts to explain clearly the way he thinks, and the obstacles that prevent people from thinking in the same fashion. Interspersed between the dialogues are short cases that demonstrate or further explore the points raised in the discussion.

Word count or hours expended?

There are two ways to track your writing progress and to gain a sense of momentum. Work to word count or put in the hours. How do you decide which is the best method for you?

My Writing Journal

Read my Writing Journal where you can comment and share your thoughts on my or your writing life.

How To Think Sideways: Career Survival School for Writers

With this self-paced course, "How to Think Sideways", full-time author Holly Lisle can help you whip your muse into shape with proven techniques that will open the floodgates of your creativity.

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