Know Your Strengths

I think everyone knows this: we all have strengths and we all have weaknesses. There are some things that I'm pretty good at. There are some things that I'm so-so at. And, yes, there is one thing are a few things that I'm horrible at.

For instance: I'm not the greatest cook. I'm okay. However, I can bake a pretty good batch of chocolate chip cookies. (Yes, cooking and baking are two totally different things-- IMHO).

Another instance, at least when it comes to writing:

I'm horrible at writing descriptions and metaphors. I have a very hard time thinking outside of the box. Everything I come up with cliche (i.e. hard as a rock, still as a statue, white as snow). For some reason, I struggle with setting the scene and creating that picture in the reader's mind.

BUT, I do okay with dialogue and cliffhangers.

I think this is important information. Not for you, but for me. And, I think you need to know what part of writing you do well and what part you struggle with. Why?  Because you need to know and remember your strengths when the writing process isn't going so well...you know, when you're struggling, which, might happen a ton (at least it does for me).

Lately, I've had writer's envy: I wish I could write like that, her descriptions are incredible, that metaphor was awesome, I can't set a scene like that, my verbs are so plain, etc.

I'm the first to admit that I had A TON to learn. I'm still incredibly green when it comes to this whole writing thing. This is why I think it's important to know what part of the process you do well. It helps keeps you going.

So, how about you? What part of writing comes more naturally to you? What part of the process do you struggle with?

And, if you have any tips for me on how to improve with my descriptions/metaphors, etc., please let me know!!!