Readers and writers: log on every Thursday to weigh in on a “deep thought” question about the the world of writing and publishing. We look forward to your comments. Let the discussion begin!
Certainly writing and readers’ tastes are subjective. The powers that be at any given publishing house green-lit the novel that ended up on the bookshelf so somebody thought the story or the writer was “good enough”. Yet what makes a writer in any genre “gifted”? Who do you believe is a gifted author?
I think of a gifted author as similar to that of a gifted and talented program in the schools. They are the “top of the class” because they are able to pull it all off – the prose, the original voice, a great storytelling ability. Authors like Jodi Picoult and John Irving come to mind for me. I don’t think someone has to be considered “literary” to be called gifted though, either. I read a lot of authors in mass market paperback or trade paperback that seem just as talented as their hardcover brethren, but they will sell a lot better in the cheaper format and/or it’s what the genre dictates.
The best-in-class label could be attributed to those at the top of each genre though I don’t necessarily think that means they are gifted per se. It could just mean they are popular. Likewise, I’m reading a couple of books right now that are enjoyable and I’d even recommend them but wouldn’t call the author gifted.
Your thoughts?
To me a gifted writer is one who sucks you right into the story, keeps you there and has you coming back for more. It’s the writer who has imagery that stays with you long after the story is done. Dean Koontz can do that, Stephen King, Jim Butcher, Barbara Kingsolver.
I think a gifted writer is born. One has to be a talented storyteller from the get go. BUT, you also have to study the craft of writing. That’s something I think people don’t realize.
So, we’re born with a talent to write, dance, sing(This one escaped me!) or whatever but we need to nurture that talent and study our craft.
Imagination is the key for a writer.
Like Lori said, I think the “x” factor that we hear about with celebrities can apply to writers to. It’s the mysterious quality that makes him/her fabulous. All creative arts stem from creative minds so who knows what makes that up? Part genetics? Part childhood angst? Part sitting in the front row in English class? Being a book nerd versus class flirt?
A gifted writer can hone the craft and become a gifted author, but without that seed of greatness already planted, I think it would be pretty hard to make happen.
I have a hard time finishing a “novel”. I am a grade school reading teacher, but I get bored reading those, so Istart a book then tell my class if they want to know what happens they will have to check the book out themselves! Now, I do love non-fiction books. A gifted author in that genre would be one that can be informative without being boring. I like real-life examples coupled with hard facts. I want data, I want proof, and I want it written where I can understand it and easily remember it. My next favorite genre is auto-biographies, and I just want the authors heart. I want the real feeling and stories, and how they think their story might benefit me, the reader. Thanks.
I have to hope that Tina’s comments about having a hard time finishing a novel just means she hasn’t found a genre or an author that she has fallen in love with. That being said, the last statistic I heard was that the average American reads one book per year. One! I’ll try to dig that stat up and we can make that an item for discussion in the future, but if it is in fact just “any book” into that figure, be it fiction or non-fic, then I think a lot of people are in the same camp as Tina and perhaps think “imaginary” stories are not as worthy of his/her time as the non-fiction ones?
I usually am reading non-fic and fic at the same time so depending on my mood, I can pick up whichever fits it at the time. This is one of the primary reasons I wanted to start A/B and why I feature both on the site. Get people reading more, and something other than magazines.
What an intriguing question!
I think a gifted writer might be in the eye of the beholder, because telling a good story well is a gift in itself. (I know people who can’t tell a joke!)
I admire more writers than I have space to name, but agree that the common thread is a story I can get caught up in with characters I can care about. In nonfiction, I agree with Tina about wanting to read facts that are presented in an interesting — dare I say, fascinating — way.
Light,
Nancy Haddock
La Vida Vampire
Fantastic question!
For me, “giftedness” in writing has more to do with “seeing” than with any other element. A writer–whether in literary, commercial or genre fiction–who can make me see the world differently because of the way they tell their stories is one I’d consider gifted. When their actual wording in a scene can influence the way I interpret a situation or a character trait from that point forward…and, thus, when I encounter a similar experience in real life, I remember the lines they wrote.
Or, likewise, if an author has captured an emotion I’d previously experienced so well that I recognized myself in their scene. I love it when authors can do that!
I’ve felt that sense of recognition when reading authors like Sue Miller, Elizabeth Berg, Susan Elizabeth Phillips, Jennifer Weiner, Jenny Crusie…
~Marilyn Brant
According To Jane
Marilyn,
That’s a wonderful way to put it – “seeing.” To your comment about the emotion, the writers that make me “feel” the most are the ones I end up falling in love with. Lolly Winston did this with Good Grief and debut author Julie Bauxbaum (sp?) did that most recently. One of my favorite things is to find new author voices that I love – they resonate long after the book is through. And as we hear over and over, voice can’t be taught – it just is.
Hey Malena,
(Sorry this is a day late!)
I think a truly gifted author is one whose voice rings loud and clear no matter what they are writing. I like when I pick something up and automatically associate the voice with an author- it’s like sitting down and chatting with an old friend.
I’m not sure this applies, but I’m also amazed by people who can write everything–and a perfect example of this is Joyce Carol Oates or Salman Rushdie–they write fiction novels, short stories, creative non-fiction, literary criticism, poetry, journalism, reviews, etc. And each time I recognize JCO’s sincere sarcasm or Rushdie’s wit and unbelievable intelligence!
What a great question–that generated even greater responses
-Danielle
Great takes on what is considered gifted.
To me gifted means th author has the ability to draw me in from the get go. To make me feel, breath, live what their characters are living. Someone I admire is John Grisham. He isn’t afraid to ite outside the box and get into real controvertial issues while still making me believe his story can really be real.
Another gift for me is someone who finds their voice, recognizes it, and uses it to the very limits of writing. Nora Roberts comes to mind. Her books go the gamutin genre. Mystery for the most part, but realistic to fantastic (The Three Keys trilogy) over all. And she hits the right notes in every one! Doesn’t everyone wish they were like Ms. Roberts?
Calisa,
Yes, Nora is the bonafide star at RWA each year (romance writers of america). I think all authors dream about a success like Grisham, Roberts, James Patterson, Douglas Preston, et al.
Danielle,
I agree a gifted author just sweeps you away. I felt this way with Garden Spells (reviewed this week). For me, the books that work have a wonderful rhythm and flow. The truly gifted writer can make even a mundane task sound thrilling.
Thanks, everyone, for your wonderful comments. You can keep ‘em coming all through the week.
Next Thursday we’ll be discussing how bestsellers are made!