Authors, Writers, Publishers, and Book Readers

What makes a good writer, GREAT?

I believe that every writer can always improve on their writing. You can always find bigger and better topics to touch on, find something different everyday to inspire you, and you just have to plan out very carefully how you are going to make your ideas come to life in the best way possible. So as to my question though... I believe what makes a good writer GREAT is that when you have written what you feel may have been your best ideas and then other people tell you that it is no good, you don't give up on it and figure how what/how things can be changed to improve your writing to make it more appealing. Also, a writer is at his/her very best when he/she finds that "one thing" that motivates them like they've never been motivated before. When you can't even sleep because you are just so anxious about writing more and getting this story together. Most of all though, I believe a writer becomes GREAT when he/she can not only make people understand what they are saying in their writings, but actually feel everything that is taking place. LET ME KNOW WHAT YOU ALL THINK. I WOULD LOVE TO HEAR YOUR REPLIES.

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Permalink Reply by Callie Leah on January 8, 2011 at 3:55am

You know, I agree with you! I think that all of those things make a writer amazing, and also, something that I look for in an author is definitely someone who has a unique style! Most of the people I read from never write with the status quo! One of my favorite writers is a woman who writes from one of the most uncommon perspectives I've ever seen! Another writes with so much passion that it's honestly scary! They all have something unique that makes their books so much fun to read! It's actually funny to see how two authors writing on the same subject can write so differently! :)

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Permalink Reply by Kay Elizabeth on January 9, 2011 at 6:09am

Hi Phillip! Nice to see you around the forum again. :) Happy New Year to you.

I think you're right there. A GREAT writer isn't scared to revise their writing and takes on board whatever gems they can from criticism. Criticism is a gift when it's constructive and thoughtfully given. I feel it's the less confident writers that will refuse to change anything or review what was said with care. Of course criticism can be difficult to hear but when you know your idea has that leap out of bed type of passion behind it you described, and you combine that with listening to negative as well as positive feedback, I feel it stands a great chance of succeeding.

A great writer moves you with their words and gets the reader caught up in their reality, not the reader's. It's as simple as that.

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Permalink Reply by Phillip Christoffersen on January 9, 2011 at 3:35pm

Thanks for your response Callie. I agree with you as well. I think that the things that you've said also contribute to making a GREAT author as well. Yes and it truly is amazing how just one topic can create so many different stories. I think that is just one of the things that make writing so wonderful. It comes from everywhere.

Callie Leah said:

You know, I agree with you! I think that all of those things make a writer amazing, and also, something that I look for in an author is definitely someone who has a unique style! Most of the people I read from never write with the status quo! One of my favorite writers is a woman who writes from one of the most uncommon perspectives I've ever seen! Another writes with so much passion that it's honestly scary! They all have something unique that makes their books so much fun to read! It's actually funny to see how two authors writing on the same subject can write so differently! :)

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Permalink Reply by Phillip Christoffersen on January 9, 2011 at 3:43pm

Thanks Kay. Oh and it feels very good to be back. It is also nice to see that we are getting quite a few new members on here and that we are growing. I really enjoy this website. It's like we have our own little community on here just full of wonderful people and very creative writers. But yes you've really hit it on the spot in your reply Kay, and I thank you for your response. I hope you and your family are having a great year so far and hope that you have much success in your writings. God bless, Phillip Christoffersen

Kay Elizabeth said:

Hi Phillip! Nice to see you around the forum again. :) Happy New Year to you.

I think you're right there. A GREAT writer isn't scared to revise their writing and takes on board whatever gems they can from criticism. Criticism is a gift when it's constructive and thoughtfully given. I feel it's the less confident writers that will refuse to change anything or review what was said with care. Of course criticism can be difficult to hear but when you know your idea has that leap out of bed type of passion behind it you described, and you combine that with listening to negative as well as positive feedback, I feel it stands a great chance of succeeding.

A great writer moves you with their words and gets the reader caught up in their reality, not the reader's. It's as simple as that.

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Permalink Reply by Callie Leah on January 23, 2011 at 2:36am

Exactly! And not just those things, but there are a million other factors that can make you a GREAT writer! You just have to come up with them! Originality is definitely one!

Phillip Christoffersen said:

Thanks for your response Callie. I agree with you as well. I think that the things that you've said also contribute to making a GREAT author as well. Yes and it truly is amazing how just one topic can create so many different stories. I think that is just one of the things that make writing so wonderful. It comes from everywhere.

Callie Leah said:
You know, I agree with you! I think that all of those things make a writer amazing, and also, something that I look for in an author is definitely someone who has a unique style! Most of the people I read from never write with the status quo! One of my favorite writers is a woman who writes from one of the most uncommon perspectives I've ever seen! Another writes with so much passion that it's honestly scary! They all have something unique that makes their books so much fun to read! It's actually funny to see how two authors writing on the same subject can write so differently! :)

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Permalink Reply by Cassidy A. Young on February 11, 2011 at 2:34am

That is completely true. You know what else makes an author great on a personal level? Experience. When I first started writing (in second grade maybe?) it was hilarious to read. Most of my words were misspelled and my idea was everything I imagined back then. Now that I actually know how to spell and use words correctly, my books are becoming much more appealing. Now just think where I'll be once I graduate High School! Experience is also great when trying to come up with ideas. You've read more books and classics from many different authors, and now you can combine their concepts and styles into your own book.