What makes an author a best contemporary author in fiction?

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.

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.

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.

A new author in fiction can be considered 'the best' if they bring a fresh perspective. For instance, if they explore a new genre in a unique way or tell a common story from an angle that hasn't been done before. Take Angie Thomas, for example. Her book 'The Hate U Give' tackles the important issue of police brutality and racial inequality from the point of view of a young black girl, which was both timely and a new take on the topic in young adult fiction.

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.

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.