The Write Stuff: 10 Things All Writers Have in Common (Whether They Like It or Not)

Writing can be a solitary and challenging endeavor, but it's also a creative outlet that allows us to express our ideas, stories, and experiences. While every writer has their own unique style, approach, and voice, there are several things that writers usually have in common. Here are 10 things that all writers share, whether they like it or not.

1. Procrastination Let's face it; writers are masters of procrastination. Whether it's staring at a blank page, checking social media, or doing household chores, writers will find any excuse to delay their writing. But as the saying goes, "the hardest part of writing is getting started," and once writers overcome their procrastination, they can produce amazing work.

2. A Love of Words Writers have a love affair with words. They are obsessed with finding the perfect word, phrase, or sentence to express their ideas and emotions. They are constantly reading, learning, and exploring new words and ways of using them. To a writer, words are a playground, and they love nothing more than playing with them.

3. Inner Critics Every writer has an inner critic that tells them their work isn't good enough. This inner voice can be harsh, critical, and unrelenting. But the best writers learn to silence their inner critic and focus on their writing. They know that their work will never be perfect, but they keep striving to make it better.

4. Coffee (or Tea) Coffee and tea are the fuels that power writers. Whether it's a morning cup of coffee or an afternoon tea break, writers rely on these beverages to keep them energized and focused. Some writers even have rituals around their coffee or tea, such as brewing it in a specific way or drinking it from a favorite mug.

5. Creativity Creativity is the lifeblood of writers. They are constantly thinking of new ideas, stories, and characters. They see inspiration in everyday life, and they know how to turn those moments into something magical. Creativity is what sets writers apart, and it's what makes their work so compelling.

6. A Sense of Humor Writing can be a serious business, but the best writers have a sense of humor. They know how to inject humor into their writing, even when the subject matter is serious. They also have a sense of humor about themselves and their work, which helps them stay grounded and focused.

7. A Thick Skin Writing can be a tough business, and writers need to have a thick skin to survive. They face rejection, criticism, and negative reviews, but they keep going. They know that not everyone will love their work, and that's okay. They also know that rejection and criticism are part of the writing process, and they learn from them to improve their work.

8. A Love-Hate Relationship with Writing Writers have a complicated relationship with writing. They love it because it's their passion, but they also hate it because it can be difficult, frustrating, and time-consuming. Writing requires discipline, focus, and dedication, and it's not always easy to summon those qualities. But writers keep coming back to writing because they know that it's worth it.

9. Perfectionism Writers are perfectionists by nature. They strive for excellence in their work, and they are never satisfied with less than their best. This perfectionism can be a double-edged sword, however. While it can drive writers to produce amazing work, it can also lead to self-doubt and dissatisfaction. The best writers know how to balance their perfectionism with a healthy dose of self-compassion.

10. A Desire to Connect. At its core, writing is about connecting with others. Writers want to share their ideas, stories, and experiences with the world, and they want to connect with readers on a deep, emotional level. Whether they are writing fiction or non-fiction, writers know that their work has the power to inspire, inform, and entertain others. They also know that writing can be a way to express their own emotions and connect with their inner selves. 

In conclusion, writing can be a solitary and challenging endeavor, but it's also a rewarding and fulfilling one. While every writer is unique, there are several things that all writers have in common. From procrastination and inner critics to a love of words and a desire to connect, these shared traits unite writers in their pursuit of great writing. So if you're a writer, embrace these commonalities and keep writing. And if you're not a writer, maybe it's time to give it a try and see what you have in common with this passionate and creative group of individuals.