Member-only story
The One Writing Skill That Pays More Than Talent
Every writer starts with the same question: How do I succeed? Some believe it’s about innate talent—being gifted with words, a natural storyteller, or a literary genius. But if talent alone were enough, the publishing world wouldn’t be filled with average writers making six figures while some of the most brilliant wordsmiths scrape by.
So, what’s the real secret? What’s the one skill that consistently pays more than talent?
It’s understanding your audience.
Before you roll your eyes or dismiss this as “marketing fluff,” hear me out. This skill is the ultimate differentiator between writers who thrive and those who struggle. Let’s break down why understanding your audience matters more than talent—and how you can develop this game-changing skill.
1. Talent is Subjective, But Relevance is Universal
What makes writing “good” is subjective. A beautifully written poem might leave one reader in tears and another completely indifferent. But writing that resonates—because it addresses a need, solves a problem, or tells a story the reader relates to—transcends subjective judgment.
