Some writers love the idea of creating a “cult” for themselves. They’ve even gone as far as creating traits that all “members of the writing cult” share. I thought it was really funny, so I’ve compiled a list of the traits that writers should have according to ordinary Joe Shmoe writers and bloggers, and my rebuttal to each:

• Creative Expression: Every writer has a need to express themselves in one way or another. According to these “experts,” a distinctive factor of many writers is this ease of expression with words. Writers will get their point across in their own, unique, and creative manner.

Rebuttal: Yes, writers can express creatively; but what may seem like a creative expression to someone could be nonsense to another. My point is this is vague and could be applied to anyone, writer or not.

• Finding problem: Writers traditionally are creative individuals that are able to think “outside of the box.” Even when it comes to common matters, they will distinguish possible problems that will arise and try to consider various solutions for each.

Rebuttal: Not necessarily. Actually, I’ve encountered many writers that do not know to “think outside the box.” Writers are individuals that vary because of experiences they’ve encountered in life. So yes, a writer that has been exposed to situations that force them to “problem-solve” will be “excellent problem-solvers”. But if not; they most likely have not developed the skills to starting viewing things from a separate angle. So again, determining that all writers should possess this trait is nonsense.

• Intellectual Flexibility: Writers commonly have a complex and distinguished way of approaching problems or issues. Their creativity allows them to see things in ways that others may not consider.

Rebuttal: Writer or not, everyone has a unique perspective when looking and considering different issues. So why is this a specific trait to writers or creative people?

• Acceptance of Failure: For writers, it’s commonly acceptable to accept failure and embrace the opportunity to improve. Failure is not seen as a negative hurdle but rather a new chance to flourish, learn and grow.

Rebuttal: I think this is something that any successful person should possess, I don’t know why it is specifically dubbed a trait for writers!!

• Taking risks: Writers love excitement and stimulation and will go to many lengths to try and accomplish that. They do not confine themselves to one specific type of writing or activity.

Rebuttal: What kind of risks? Writing risks? I don’t even think you can determine that! I mean writers, like all people, come in various shapes and sizes. Some are risk takers, but many like to stay in their comfort zones. Are the risk takers better writers? I think not.

• Open-minded: Open-minded is a very subjective matter. But a lot of times, because writers are exposed to a lot in the world through reading, freelancing, or researching; they have an objective outlook on the world.

Rebuttal: Open-mindedness? Actually, many successful writers aren’t open-minded AT ALL!! That’s what makes their writing so appealing! They are so polarizing that it completely attracts a specific reader of their column, book, blog, etc.

• Motivated: Writers are motivated to excel in their creativity. They don’t write to reap rewards, yet they do it simply for the pleasure and growth they gain. Of course, this does not mean that those people that write for a living aren’t doing it for the money; yet they still gain the satisfaction of loving what their work because of the challenge and creative reward.

Rebuttal: Actually, when you look at the rates that some of these writers are charging you realize how much they are truly in it for the money! In the end everybody loves the cash. Now, that doesn’t mean that writers do not love what they do. But if they aren’t getting paid, trust me, they aren’t loving it!

The conclusion is that there are no traits that can truly define writers into a single group. We can try, but many great writers have come and gone; and each writer had their own great traits and lived by their own rules.