Writer or Storyteller

[pelwrath]

Found this interesting article.

www.helpingwritersbecomeauthors.com/a-writer-or-a-storyteller/

[RAVENEYE]

Yeah, I agree with the two not being the same, nor interchangeable. A writer is someone who is able to string words together in a way that communicates an idea clearly. A technical writer may be great at explaining how to dismantle an engine and fix an issue, but they may not be able to place fictional people in a meaningful situation and, with powerful words, clearly explore the deeper emotional stuff happening inside the human experience.

[Octagon]

I think the best author is the one who is best at both writing and storytelling. Whereas people have stated that they prefer content (that is, story) over style, in a book I read, the author notes that people read books because they like the rhythm of the words. My opinion is that, if the rhythm is bad, readers probably won't enjoy what they are reading.

[RAVENEYE]

Oct 28, 2022 15:38:03 GMT -6 Octagon said:

I think the best author is the one who is best at both writing and storytelling. Whereas people have stated that they prefer content (that is, story) over style, in a book I read, the author notes that people read books because they like the rhythm of the words. My opinion is that, if the rhythm is bad, readers probably won't enjoy what they are reading.

True. If I'm reading a manual on how to change a flat tire, I don't care about rhythm. I just want clear instructions. If I'm reading a novel or short story or creative nonfiction, the language matters as much as the content, plot, structure, etc. 

The language itself is usually how I decide if I will purchase a book or not. I read the first page. If the language blows me away, I figure the book is worth my time investment. If the language is flat or contains my pet peeves (vague as those are), I will put the book back on the shelf.

[undawnted]

I have struggled with the labels: writer and author for years, so I went with novelist. I self-publish. Some people are upset when writers publish via the nontraditional route and call themselves authors. I guess if you don't get patted on the head by a corporation, then you don't have standing.

I reject that idea.

In light of all the hen-pecking in the writing community over nouns, I went with novelist. I even named my newsletter: A Novelist Idea. That way I skirt the politics induced of writer versus author.

Have a great and wonderful day,
Dawn