What makes a good writer?

I have often wondered this myself.  Whether an existential question that was drowning in self-doubt or the harsh criticism of self-reflection, the question of what makes a good writer always seemed to be lurking in the back of my mind.  Not that I think I'm a bad writer, mind you, but what is it that makes a good writer?Is it the ability to put a story on paper and have it make sense?  That is certainly important, since most writing revolves around that very fact.  But is it enough to just put a story on paper?  If that was the only requirement, then the ranks of good writers would be full for sure.If it isn't just that, then is it the ability to create moving and relatable characters?  If writing from A-to-Z is integral to being a writer in general, then certainly populating that story with meaningful characters that pull at the readers heartstrings or draw cheers from their throats would make a writer a good writer.  Of course, a story isn't a story without characters, so that can't be it.What about the world the characters reside in?  Any story needs a setting, whether in our world or a different one.  So does having a compelling and clever setting the blends seamlessly into the narrative while at the same time being a character of it's own be the tell-tale sign of a good writer?Of course, all of these things are required for a good story, and these are some basic ideas that all writers have to consider before they can start writing.  So this doesn't really answer the question...just add more questions to it!What I have found, from writing , is that there is no single answer to what makes a good writer.  Aside from the constantly changing physical markers of success that happen when you are writing a story, from things like "I finally figured out the title!" to "Yes! Chapter 36 is finished!", there are other abstract things like readability and consistency and world-building.  It takes all of those things, those intangible things that the writer puts into the story, to make it 'good'.Now, what happens if all those things get included...on purpose?  "On purpose?" you say, "Isn't that the writer's job to do it all on purpose, anyway?" Well, here's a little secret: It doesn't always happen on purpose.  Not that the writing doesn't happen on purpose, since you have to intentionally move the letters into words to create the story, but all of those things falling into the perfect place can seem to occur organically, as if by magic.Of course it isn't really magic (or is it...), but does that make a good writer?  Does intent matter?  Or does letting the story take shape and form while you write matter more? Wow, this is a whole lotta questions.  Almost as if I wanted an answer as bad as you...In the seven year journey of writing , I did learn the answer to what makes a good writer.  At least, I am pretty certain it's the answer.You.Woah, super philosophical.  Not 'you' the reader.  'You' the writer.  As long as you like what you are writing, I would call you a good writer.  Everyone else is always going to have an opinion, and you can choose to listen to them if you want.  But at the end of the day, you are the only person who can write like you can.  And if you like it, that's good enough for me.If you all liked this post, go ahead and share it on social media and subscribe to my site.  This really helps me out, as I am a self-published author fighting for each step of discoverability I can get. I appreciate you all reading this and I hope that you get a chance to check out my book, , and support your favorite indie author!Thanks again!  Keep reading!~N.H. Roncolato​​To purchase a copy of the best realistic fantasy epic ever written, check it out in paperback or ebook. Get yours today!