In Others’ Words: Muscle

What does it take to be a writer?

I’m really looking forward to y’all joining the conversation today. Readers, I’d love to know what you think it takes to be a writer — what kind of “muscles” need to be developed?

Writers, author Natalie Goldberg says we need the “muscles” of determination, attention, curiosity, and a passionate heart. What do you think? What other “muscles” have you developed as you travel the writing road?

Me? Writing has helped me developed my eye muscles.

Really.

For me, it’s all about focus. And, yes, I could say it’s about staying focused so that I meet my deadline. But that’s not what I mean. Every day I have to fine tune my focus so that I take my eyes off me (Am I good enough?) and take my eyes off other writers (Are they better than me?) and focus on who I am from an eternal perspective.

In Your Words: What muscle have you developed as a writer? Is there a particular muscle that needs some weight training?