A great historical war writer should be able to accurately depict the historical context. For example, they need to research and present the military strategies, the weapons used, and the political situation of the time. If a writer is writing about World War II, they must know about the Blitzkrieg tactics of the Germans, the Allied response, etc.
The ability to create believable characters is crucial. The characters should represent different types of people involved in the war, like soldiers, nurses, and civilians. Take Erich Maria Remarque in 'All Quiet on the Western Front'. His main character Paul Bäumer is a young German soldier who experiences the horror of war, and through him, readers can feel the real impact of war on individuals.
One factor is authenticity. If a writer has actually experienced war, like Ernest Hemingway, they can bring a sense of realism to their stories. For example, Hemingway's time as an ambulance driver in World War I informed his writing. Another aspect is the ability to show the human side of war. Writers who can depict the emotions, fears, and hopes of soldiers are great at writing war stories.
I think Leo Tolstoy. His 'War and Peace' is a monumental work. It not only gives a detailed account of the Napoleonic Wars but also delves deep into the lives of the characters. Tolstoy shows how war affects different aspects of society, from the aristocracy to the common people. The complex characters and the grand scope of the story make it a masterpiece of historical war writing.
One key quality is authenticity. If the writer has either experienced war firsthand or has done extensive research, it shows in their writing. For example, Erich Maria Remarque in 'All Quiet on the Western Front'. He was a German veteran of World War I, and his descriptions of the trenches, the fear, and the futility of war are deeply moving. Another quality is the ability to show different perspectives. A good war story writer doesn't just focus on the heroes but also on the ordinary soldiers, civilians, and even the enemy. This gives a more complete picture of the war.
Original ideas. A great science fiction writer has to come up with concepts that are new and exciting. For example, H.G. Wells with his 'The War of the Worlds' introduced the idea of an alien invasion in a very vivid and terrifying way that was quite original for its time.
The ability to create engaging characters is also important. Writers like Ken Follett in 'The Pillars of the Earth' make the characters come alive, with their own desires, flaws, and dreams. This makes the historical events more relatable. Another factor is the narrative style. A good historical fiction writer can weave the historical facts into a compelling story that keeps the reader hooked from start to finish.
A top short - story writer needs to have a unique voice. For instance, Hemingway's sparse and direct style in stories like 'The Old Man and the Sea' sets him apart. His simple yet powerful language makes the story vivid and impactful.
The ability to create engaging characters. In semi - fictional war stories, the characters are what draw the readers in. They should be complex, with their own motives, fears and hopes in the context of war. A good writer makes the readers care about what happens to these characters.
Ernest Hemingway could be considered one of the best. His works like 'A Farewell to Arms' are set against the backdrop of war. He was able to vividly depict the harsh realities, the psychological toll on soldiers, and the complex relationships that war creates. His simple yet powerful prose makes the war experience come alive for the readers.
Ernest Hemingway is often regarded as one of the best. His works like 'A Farewell to Arms' vividly depict the chaos and human experiences in war. The story is set during World War I and shows the love between an American ambulance driver and a British nurse against the backdrop of the brutal war. Hemingway's writing style, with its simplicity and power, makes the war scenarios and the characters' emotions come alive for the readers.
One key factor is the ability to tell a great story. If a writer can create a plot that is engaging, full of twists and turns, and keeps the reader hooked from start to finish, they are likely to be considered a top writer. For example, Dan Brown in his 'Da Vinci Code' had a plot that was so mysterious and exciting that it became a global bestseller.