What do you feel is the most important part of being a writer?

The ability to use same old words to create something completely new. Same as on MyLot,most things have already been said but they seem fresh and original if you know your way with words.

Content is king. Always has been, always will be probably. I think it's important to know what you're talking about to say the very least. I've seen some poorly written articles, but it was abundantly clear that the author knew what they were talking about. If it's something you really want to read, you can motivate past the typos, etc., although it can be frustrating if spelling is a pet peeve. But, I suppose that's what spell check is for right? I agree with everyone on how you should write from the heart. To me, it shows when you do. Again, write what you know. If you don't, most folks will see right through your words. If you're doing a research paper on an unfamiliar topic, take the time to investigate the details thoroughly before acting like you know something. The devil is in the details. One tiny little bit of misinformation, and you're credibility sinks like a sunken ship.

all thiese things, that is why I am not a writter I cant get it all to gether to make a good story!

I think that for a fiction writer, savak03 (the fourth respondant to this thread) hit it on the nose with "imagination". That is what, as a reader, I admire most about a novel or short story. For a non-fiction writer, knowledge and experience are the foremost qualities. You want to learn something new when you read a non-fiction book. All the other things that you mentioned are important, also, and can make a good book a special one. Writers who can put their unique stamps on the material they are dealing with are the most enjoyable to read.

I would have to say the satisfaction and loving what you are doing. More than anything else.

In my opinion, you need to be observant, write every day, and read, read, and read some more.

as a writer myself, the most important thing is to be able to communicate, to get my stories, and books across to people in a way that they can read and understand, if you cannot do that, then you have accomplished nothing.

Hi celtic! I think that every writer has their own kind of writing style. They are all unique in their own way. It is the combination of all the things that makes a writer what they are. It is their technique, how they put their words together to form their story. The content, what their story is about. The way they choose to tell the story. Whether they choose to make it humorous, serious, mysterious or sad it can be up to the individual to decide which way they want to tell it. And then when it is finished it is up to the person who is reading it to decide how they interpret it. There are so many different things that go into being a writer. That is why we have so many and so many different types of books and writings and each one can be just as great in their own way.

I had to think about this for a minute. Everyone that has responded had some great ideas. But in thinking about my favorite authors I would have to say imagination would have to be the first thing a great writer would need.