What's a "Good Writer?"

“Okay, so, like, I’m not a good writer. . .”

“I’m kinda having a hard time because, well, I’m sorta a shit writer, so. . .”

These are pretty common phrases to hear before beginning a typical shift as a Writing Center tutor.  Students of various ages, backgrounds, and majors all make appointments with me, and the vast majority genuinely believe that they aren’t good writers.  Honestly, it just breaks my heart every time.  Why do so many people think they’re “bad” writers?  What, then, makes someone a good writer?  

The reality is that most of the students who start out their appointments telling me that they think they’re “bad writers” are, in fact, not bad at all.  They might be out of practice or haven’t written a college paper before, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t good enough already or don’t have the potential to write something strong and meaningful.  In my experience, in order to become a good writer, you must keep a few key points in mind: 

1. Being out of practice does not mean that you are inherently bad. It means just that: you’re out of practice.  Most of the time, you can’t just practice writing on your own; you need guidance from someone who has been writing for a longer time than you have.  That’s exactly why programs like Writing Centers and writing workshops exist: to offer guidance, tips, and expertise to assist in the writing process. 

2. First drafts are meant to be first drafts, not the final product.  Rarely any form of writing is perfect on the first try.  That’s why manuscripts of famous published works are so intriguing and are displayed in museums. You can see for yourself where the author went back to make changes, add a comma, or completely redo a chapter.  

3. When it comes to grammar, there will almost always be mistakes to correct because, well, grammar is difficult.  Comma placement is confusing, quotations are tricky, and semicolons look odd enough to begin with.  That’s where copy editors come into play.  Their sole job is to understand grammar rules better than anyone else. 

4. No matter how “good” or “bad” of a writer you consider yourself to be: writing isn’t easy, so don’t get discouraged!  It requires a lot of time, effort, guidance, and practice, whether you are a student working on your first philosophy paper or a best-selling author drafting your 7th novel.  Actively looking to practice writing, finding someone to peer review with, and admitting that you might have to make some changes already makes you a good writer. 

Overall, good writers have a positive outlook on the writing process.  They know it might be difficult and confusing, but they also know that they have the support and resources to write something beautiful and powerful.  Aspiring to write well and rising to the challenge is half the battle, and each time a student makes an appointment with me in the Writing Center, I know they’re already well on their way to “good writer” status.  

I just wish they realized their potential too.

February 2023