4 Annoying, alienating habits of writers

Writers can never simply read a book. We edit everything by habit.

We writers are a crazy bunch. We can be endearing. We can write you a thank-you note that will get those happy tears rolling like rain. We can also be quite annoying. The habits and experience that we gain while writing and editing our own content can make those around us completely miserable. Hey, at least we know it. That means we can work on it, right? Meanwhile, though, you'll have to put up with us. Here's some of the things we do to annoy our friends and family.

Predicting movie story lines and plots.

Never watch a movie for the first time at home with a writer. We'll predict nearly every plot twist. We often see them well before they happen. We take pride in knowing what will come about in the (seemingly) most unpredictable of movies, shows or plays. Not only that, it's nearly impossible for us to keep our mouths shut about it. The theater silence vow keeps us quiet. Take your writer to the theater if you want to be surprised by plot lines. Don't do movies at home.

Criticizing contrived story lines.

Writers hate nothing more than an extremely predictable story line. The true surprise element is vitally important to us. You will hear us roar when a story ends in happily ever after. That's because we've not only seen it all, we live and breathe writing structure daily. Unexpected story lines are our life. We know that the surprise element is money in the bank. Yes, even when it comes to writing tip articles, like this one. They absolutely must contain at least a few original ideas or approach a subject from an interesting angle.

Editing everything we read.

It's impossible for a writer to read a thank-you note, a letter from a teacher or any other random document without mentally editing it. We notice every little bitty error in every little thing you write. The very necessary, yet habitual, editing of our own work carries over to include yours. Unfortunately, some writers don't keep the knowledge of your mistakes to themselves either. Surely, you've heard of the grammar police? They're just waiting to pounce on you. Not only that, they feel that everyone should be just like them.

Judging others according to their writing talents.

Writers have a habit of basing their opinions of others on their writing finesse. If someone has bad grammar or can't spell, some writers feel it's an indication of stupidity. On the contrary, not everyone aspires to be a writer. Not only that, but out of those who do, not everyone chooses to get their point across using picture perfect writing style. Some of us prefer the Mark Twain style. We write like we speak, regardless of the rules. Shhh, don't tell the grammar police, but some writers are exceptions to the rules!