The best fiction authors also know how to tell a good story. Charles Dickens was a master at this. His novels, like 'Great Expectations', had engaging plots with elements of mystery, love, and social commentary that have kept readers interested for generations.
A great fictional author has the ability to create vivid characters. For example, Tolkien created characters like Frodo and Gandalf in 'The Lord of the Rings' that are so well - developed that they seem like real people with their own motives, desires, and flaws.
Well, a great fiction author often has a vivid imagination. Take Lewis Carroll, for instance. His 'Alice's Adventures in Wonderland' is full of the most extraordinary and imaginative ideas. Storytelling skills are also crucial. Dan Brown is very good at creating fast - paced, suspenseful stories in his 'Da Vinci Code' series. And the ability to connect with the readers on an emotional level. Nicholas Sparks does this well in his romantic novels, making his readers feel the joys and sorrows of the characters, which all contribute to being a top fiction author.
A great crime author in fiction often has a unique ability to create complex and believable characters. For instance, characters who are both victims and perpetrators in different ways. They also need to be able to craft a plot full of twists and turns. Take Gillian Flynn's 'Gone Girl' for example. The plot keeps flipping and the characters' true natures are gradually revealed in unexpected ways.
Creativity is key. A great fiction author can create unique worlds, like Tolkien did with Middle - earth in 'The Lord of the Rings'. This ability to imagine and build something entirely new draws readers in.
A best contemporary author in fiction often has the capacity to connect with a wide range of readers. They can touch on universal themes such as love, loss, and the search for identity. Take Paulo Coelho's 'The Alchemist' for instance. It's a story that has appealed to people all over the world because of its exploration of the journey of self - discovery. Also, innovation in storytelling matters. An author who can break the traditional narrative forms and still hold the reader's attention is highly regarded.
An author can be considered among the best in historical fiction if they can transport the reader to another time. Margaret Atwood does this well in 'Alias Grace'. She weaves a story that makes you feel like you're in 19th - century Canada. Another factor is the accuracy of historical details while still making the story interesting. Leo Tolstoy in 'War and Peace' manages to include a vast amount of historical information without it becoming a dry history lesson.
Good knowledge of military matters. If an author doesn't know about military tactics, equipment, and the military lifestyle, it's hard to write convincing military fiction. For example, Tom Clancy was known for his detailed research on military technology. Another factor is the ability to create engaging characters. In military fiction, the soldiers and officers need to be well - developed characters that readers can care about, like in Stephen E. Ambrose's works where real - life heroes are vividly portrayed.
A great science fiction author often has a vivid imagination. They can create unique and believable worlds that draw readers in, like J.R.R. Tolkien did in his Middle - earth, though his works are more fantasy - adjacent to science fiction. They also need to be able to handle scientific concepts well. For example, Neal Stephenson in his books like 'Snow Crash' weaves in complex ideas about virtual reality and computer science in an engaging way. And of course, they should be able to tell a good story that has engaging characters and a plot that keeps you hooked from start to finish.
A great story is key. If an author can create a plot that's engaging, full of twists and turns, and keeps readers hooked from start to finish, they're more likely to be a best - seller. For example, Suzanne Collins with 'The Hunger Games' trilogy. The dystopian setting and the survival - based plot made it very popular.
A great crime fiction author can create complex and believable characters. For example, a detective with flaws and a unique personality. This makes the story more engaging as readers can relate to the characters.
Good research is key. An author like James Michener spent years researching for his books. For example, in 'Centennial' which is about the history of the American West, his in - depth knowledge of the region's history, geography, and cultures shines through. This makes the story feel authentic.