Can a good fiction writer become a great fiction writer?

1. 73

   JamesPoppellposted 12 years ago

   Can a good fiction writer become a great fiction writer?
   
   In his book, "On Writing" Stephen King claims a mediocre writer cannot become a good writer and a good writer cannot become a great writer. He admittedly catches a lot of flak about this. Do you subscribe to his theory?

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2. 0

   mewlhouseposted 12 years ago

   Stephen King is not to be trusted for his views on writing. He attacks Gordon Lish for editing Raymond Carver so severely, which should be sign to you he can't pound sand. Yes, a good writer can become a great writer as well as a mediocre writer becoming even a great writer as well. The answer is just don't listen to King.

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3. 61

   Eunice Stuhlhoferposted 12 years ago

   That's his opinion (King's). "The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams" (Eleanor Roosevelt). Throughout history great men and women refused to quit and realized ground breaking inventions, freedoms and discoveries that changed the world. So if you want to be a great writer reach for your dreams and don't listen to naysayers or dream killers.
   
   All the best.

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4. 60

   Helen Loyeposted 12 years ago

   Of course good writers can become great writers.   I believe that writing is a skill, like any other, the more you write, the better writer you become.   Perfection (or as near as perfection as one can get) comes with practice.  You can't worry about others' opinions about writing...in all artistic media there are critical people who will undermine what you do.  You have to ignore that, you write because you like it and because you want to.  Fiction is a matter of self expression and imagination, enjoy it and like what you put on the page, if writing makes you happy never let anyone deter you.  There always will be negative people out there, but you have to overlook them and seek the positives.

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5. 0

   paxwillposted 12 years ago

   No,most of the world's greatest artists started out at a low level but dedicated their lives to perfecting their technique and honing their skills. Writing is no different.
   
   Stephen King has an investment to protect I suppose, it's not good for him if too many people become great writers.

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6. 40

   mudaheposted 12 years ago

   It is possible for a good writer to become a great writer by putting into practise everything learnt as far as writing is concerned. Through reading a lot and borrowing writing styles from different authors a good writer learns deeply the art of writing and  can develop into  a great writer. Allowing people to critic ones work enables a good writer to get feed feedback and this inturns helps the person develop to the next level.

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