After years of studying the best of what the top writers have already figured out, I’ve reached a conclusion about what it takes to solve the writers’ 3D puzzle.
By Grant P. Ferguson
Last Updated: July 22, 2025
First, top writers are excellent at storytelling.
It’s not about perfect writing. Instead, top writers excel at storytelling. As readers, we know and feel it. Such writing entertains, informs, and inspires. Achieving that level of excellent story structure is difficult but doable.
If you’re serious about writing a book readers will love, it’s more about storytelling and stick-to-it-ness than talent and skills.
Second, they satisfy readers’ craving for emotions.
Readers learn vicariously as often through fiction as they do through non-fiction, maybe more so because stories get embedded into their minds and hearts. Thus, fiction writers have the privilege of shaping the lives of young and old.
Third, top writers often view writing as a vocation.
Given all the changes in the publishing industry, it’s more important now than ever to treat your writing craft as a vocation. Whether part-time or full- time, your calling allows you to learn as you write. It’s exponential in potential. As a vocation, you can get joy from your writing regardless of changes.
Conclusion
Writing is worth the effort it takes to produce an excellent story, one that transports readers to exciting story worlds and delivers the emotions they crave.
Writers create fantastic journeys based on a mix of their human imagination, innate creativity, and life experiences. Audiences enjoy the adventure, learning that brings fresh insight and renewed inspiration.
Above all, solving the writers’ 3D puzzle is fun, too!
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For you, is writing a hobby, a job, or a vocation? Why?
15 responses to “Solving the Writers’ 3D Puzzle”
Yes, it’s all three, Grant. I love books that make me feel, and the great storytelling is what gets me there. Loving what we do is essential to making that happen. 🙂 A post that got me smiling this morning.
Glad you smiled, Diana, and I’m looking forward to posting on Wednesday (August 6, 2025) my review of your book, Tale of the Season’s Weaver. Excellent fantasy novel, and a great model for writers, too!
I’m grinning, of course.
Good post. I was planning something this morning, and your post was just what I needed.
You made my morning, Don! Always good to hear from you and I look forward to you sharing.
I love that you present this as a puzzle. I think you nailed it, Grant!
Thanks, Wynne. That’s why I love mysteries.
“Writers create fantastic journeys based on a mix of their human imagination, innate creativity, and life experiences.” I love this Grant! That is why I love reading other’s and writing my blog: to create, share, and learn!
Thanks, Dana! There’s a sense of joy found while creating, even when things don’t go as planned.
Yes!
Storytelling . . . what a complicated, emotional, exciting ball of wax you continue to clarify. When I frown on an hour spent creating mediocre dialog, I have to grab myself by the ears and say, “Yeah, but what a great story I’m telling!” and I’ll leave the revisions for another day. Thanks for the insights, Grant!
You’re welcome, John, and thanks for emphasizing story.
Writing is a small-scale vocation for me, part of the bigger picture.
Thanks, Priscilla. I often read about people who feel “compelled” to write. From my point of view, that’s a sign of a vocation. When we put aside all the worries, what a joy to write!
I agree with all of those. My favorite authors are the ones who can put an emotional reaction into just a few words. I love that.