Very often, you hear all about how positive personality traits will help your writing career. You are told to have more patience, to persevere, to work hard. No doubt all that is good to have and will help your career in the long run. But there are ways to turn your negative traits to your advantage. No one is perfect, but if you know how to work with what you have, you can still achieve success.
Let us see some personality flaws that actually are a blessing in disguise if channeled properly.
1. Loner
In our increasingly networked society, being a loner or introvert can be a major disadvantage. But for a writer, it is a wonderful thing to be a loner. An introvert can bear to spend hours and days with their own company, and a writer needs to do this in order to be able to write undisturbed. Spending a lot of time glued to the computer working on your new book does not sound so bad for your writing career!
2. Insensitivity
A writer needs to be insensitive. Very few authors have got off to a flying start in their careers, which means that the majority of writers will have to face years of rejection before getting recognition. It is important for you not to let it get you down and continue to work on your dream. You must also not become that author who considers their books their babies and stalks all negative reviews online to pick up an argument on why your book is better. Accepting criticism of your books is a major part of being an author. Being insensitive helps you handle rejection and criticism much better than your peers.
3. Disorganized
Yes, it is nice to be disciplined and have an organized work schedule. But disorganized authors need not worry either. Creativity is not restricted to between nine to five, nor does inspiration strike only when you are in front of a computer, working. Those who are used to working amidst chaos will easily be able to make sense of random notes made on the spur of the moment. You will also be able to handle problems that crop up at the last minute.
4. Anger
Are you angry about the injustice in the world? Do you often speak about it with people and get blank looks? Very often, no one wants to listen to the depressing issues that beset us on all sides. But put the same thing down on paper and weave it into a story and everyone loves it! If you are angry about something, channel it into your writing and see how well your story takes shape. It is also a good opportunity to put forth your views on various issues without appearing to preach. What’s more, such books are often received well by the general public.
5. Unenthusiastic
Most people expect authors to gush about their work and talk about how much they love their characters. But being unenthusiastic about the work you turn out can actually improve the quality of your writing. It will prevent authors from pouring their love into their characters, who then begin to appear one-dimensional and boring. It prevents the appearance of the dreaded Mary Sue and Gary Stu if you keep a healthy distance from your characters and the world you create in your book.
Image credit: Ernst Moeksis on flickr and reproduced under Creative Commons 2.0
Kavitha is a freelance content writer and French translator, and has been working in this field since 2008. She has degrees in computer applications and international business and has a background in business and international trade. She enjoys learning languages and is currently learning Japanese. Her interests vary from books and writing to travelling and history.