A decade ago, a loved one and I decided to become professional writers (we were already amateur writers). My loved one had a tremendous natural ability. The plots he thought of, the words that came out of his brain, wow, they were something. I, although I can tell a half decent story, wasn't as blessed. I didn't have his vocabulary. I was overly realistic (why I write contemporary romance). It took me longer to think of storylines.
I got serious. I joined my local chapter of Romance Writers Of America, attended their monthly seminars, took additional courses, applying the lessons I learned, had critiques done of my writing, entered contests for the feedback, and paid professional editors to look at my manuscripts. I wrote every day, even if only 100 words. About four years ago, I started writing full time during the summers. I worked my butt off.
My buddy wrote every day also but he didn't take any courses. He didn't put his stories out to be critiqued (admittedly a tough and extremely painful process). He worked his butt off but with no feedback. He still writes wonderful stories with wonderful characters, that hasn't changed. Nothing has changed. His writing is the same as it was a decade ago.
The difference is… my stories and characters are as good as his.
And I suspect that if the trend continues, in a decade from now, my stories will be better, better than my stories are now (I have SUCH room for improvement) and better than his stories will be then (if he doesn't change).
Natural ability is needed. I think you need at least a sliver of natural talent to be truly great. But it is not enough. It is only the base to build off of.
Every month, Kimber Chin gives away her favorite romance eBook read the month before. To enter, visit http://businessromance.com/
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