What does it take to be a brilliant writer?

I could tell you a million things. But instead, read this, "The Writer's Little Helper" by James V. Smith Jr. It helped me so much. I HIGHLY recommend it.

But if for some weird reason you don't or can't read it, then I'll tell you the most important things.

- Over-detail but EDIT it well.

- Choose good descriptive words that put a lot of detail without having to write a whole paragraph

- Keep it as short as possible (but that doesn't mean you have to take out all your favorite scenes for the cost of shortening)

- Invent--Jeanne DuPrau (the author of "City of Ember", which I suggest you read if you didn't) made a city and conflicts that were so new and mysterious to readers that it became popular and became a movie. Ooh! Movie! That reminds me, if you want your story to become a movie (or even if you don't), ah, well, the bottom line is, in order to make a good story, imagine what you're writing to be a movie. Imagine every blade of grass, every block of graffiti, every snowflake in the sky, whatever you imagine the scene to look like and what is happening in the scene and put it into words. And if the movie of your book comes out then you'll say "That scene looks exactly how I thought it would be!"

Hope I helped. Sorry it was so long. Good luck writing, and keep editing! ^_^ I can tell you'll do great. (And keep up with that good grammar! You must be getting A's)

"...and everyone is telling me I have an amazing talent..."

Friends, family, and teachers who don't wish to tear down a student's self-esteem don't count. Wanting to write a story doesn't count either.

If you wish to be a great writer (forget brilliant, great or good is good enough) then you need to read and write a lot. You need to take your time to study literature, writing, and style. It will not be an overnight endeavor or even one that takes 1-2 years. It will likely take one, two, or even three decades. Yes, DECADES. If you are willing to work hard and learn the craft in depth then you stand a chance at being a good or great writer.

I was told by several that I also had amazing talent as a writer. While I appreciated the compliments I still felt I was not quite there. I think I am good but certainly not great, brilliant, and incredibly talented. I do what I do and I am happy with it.

EDIT:

Forgot to add that those who said I had talent were top journalists in the region as well as college professors who were well educated and didn't blow smoke up anyone's hind end. Even with positive feedback from relatively high ranking professionals I still never thought I was great (though God knows I certainly acted like I was. Damn insecurity).

When I wrote professionally I also received high marks but again, I figured I was only slightly above average. I did a job, got paid, went home. Good enough to acquire these jobs but unfortunately they did not last. I had good times and would like to eventually return to it but I am in the process of pursuing other endeavors so writing is on the backburner for now.

same here. my teachers tell me that i am a great writer and constantly praise my essays but i am not so sure of it myself..it is almost like because i know they are expecting so much that i get so nervous and fail..but when i am alone and write stories for myself, it is different, they turn out great...

I guess that to be a great writer you have to have a very extended imagination and creativity. you have to be able to create a story and every detail in the story...You also have to have an extended knowledge of words. You have to learn to chose your words and make sure you are using them correctly...A good way to improve your vocabulary is to read(it helped me)

The MOST IMPORTANT thing would be to love to write...you have to have the passion and do it because you want to...

hope i helped :)

I love to write...whether it is just a simple poem or a complex story....

It depends. All of the greatest writers are great for different reasons. Shakespeare... oh, he's too hard to explain. He was an insane genius, and that's what probably made him write so many things. My mom says she likes my writing because it draws people in the moment they start reading. My best friend Ally writes things that make me laugh, and I just love how she writes in particular. So, it all depends.

Just work on your writing really hard, and you should be fine.

Lena

I'm not exactly sure. Lots of things make you a great writer. For me, I think that being able to kill your parents on paper is a good writer. I forgot who said that quote but my teacher told me it.

well it takes endless imagination,determination,and good penmenship.you hav to make stories that appeal to people.men,women,kids,everyone.just keep writing and you will be a great writer.go for it!

You need to write what you think is awesome and hope other people like it too :)