Here is the number one quality that writers who write brilliant books embody.
No, it’s not a way with words, great spelling or an enormous vocabulary (those are a big help).
The #1 quality you need to be a brilliant writer is empathy for your reader.
Empathy is the ability to imagine the thoughts and feelings of others. I don’t mean you should sugarcoat your message. Tell it like it is.
But imagine you are in your reader’s position. Perhaps they have tried hard to solve their problems and failed. They may feel misunderstood, unappreciated. Perhaps they must change habits or beliefs of a lifetime.
The more you care, the more you dare. By this I mean if you build a strong connection with your reader, they will listen to your tough messages. They might not like them. But they will trust you have their best interests at heart.
Write with empathy.
What helps you hear a tough message without feeling defensive?