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.
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.
The ability to evoke strong emotions is crucial. Nora Roberts is excellent at this. In her novels, she can make you laugh, cry, and feel the passion of the characters' relationships. Whether it's the excitement of a new love or the pain of a break - up, she can make the reader experience it all.
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.
A good plot is also necessary. It could be about a range war, a search for lost gold, or a cowboy's journey to redemption. The plot should be engaging and full of twists and turns, keeping the reader on the edge of their seat, much like how the lives of those in the old west were full of uncertainty and adventure.
The ability to build tension is crucial. Take Emily Henry's novels. She slowly builds the relationship between the characters, making the readers eager to see how the love story will unfold. Also, a unique setting can enhance the story. Like Sarah J. Maas who sometimes sets her romances in fantastical worlds.
One aspect is the cultural context. Black authors often draw from the African - American experience. For example, family and community values play a big role in love stories. Love is not just about two individuals but also about how they fit into the larger family and community.
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.