I’ve noticed there are two drastically different skills when it comes to professional writers. (There are way more than two, but roll with me here.)
- Telling Stories: Sharing information in a way that captures a reader’s attention and expresses a cohesive narrative.
- Technical Grammar: Understanding language, proper punctuation, sentence structure, and how to use them all properly.
Some writers have both skills; many just have one.
I’ve met writers who can weave fascinating stories, but they have no idea how to use a semicolon properly*.
On the other hand, I’ve met writers who know the rules of grammar and language inside and out, but they can’t formulate a story to save a life.
Both skills are important—together and separately. I know successful writers in all three categories.
Most of the copywriters who do what I do are good at both the storytelling side and the nitty-gritty grammar. And I’d like to think I’m one of the ones who can balance both (my career is evidence that I’m probably right on that).
I find watching for these two differing skills fascinating.
*Really hope I used the semicolon in this post properly. Otherwise, that would be quite embarrassing.