One key factor is the ability to create a spooky atmosphere. For example, H. P. Lovecraft was able to use his detailed descriptions of otherworldly creatures and strange settings to make the reader feel a sense of unease and dread.
A great author of ghost stories should be able to create a spooky atmosphere. For example, using descriptive language to make the setting seem dark and foreboding, like how Poe describes the decaying house in his stories.
One factor is the ability to create believable and relatable characters. When readers can see themselves or people they know in the characters, it makes the love story more engaging. For instance, in Emily Henry's books, her characters often have very modern - day problems and personalities, which makes the love that develops between them feel real.
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.
Edgar Allan Poe is often regarded as one of the best. His works like 'The Fall of the House of Usher' are filled with a sense of dread and mystery. His use of language and his ability to create an eerie atmosphere make his ghost stories truly remarkable.
The best love story authors know how to build a world around the love story. It could be a small - town setting like in many of Debbie Macomber's books, or a historical period like in Georgette Heyer's works. This setting provides a backdrop that enhances the love story, making it more immersive and believable.
Accuracy in historical details. If an author can get the historical facts right, like the way of life, the politics, and the culture of the period, they are more likely to be considered good. For example, an author writing about Ancient Rome should know about the social hierarchy, the military system, and the daily life of the Romans.