One book of essays I have not managed to finish was written by George Steiner, who did research in comparative literature. George argues that language and thought lie inextricably close together. He fills his argument with eloquence and carefully chosen words.
Whereof we cannot speak, thereof we must not write. Whereof we can speak and write, thereof we should no doubt also be quiet. All the force of thought disappears in the mouth, in print. Language can express classification, logic, analysis. It is a great tool that just about everyone can use.
Very good writers can craft poetry, which I am told can convey nets of meaning to careful readers. How many of us have a difficult time even understanding poetry, let alone producing it?
Some writers can tell stories. Stories amaze me. Even poorly finished stories, stories that wake disbelief repeatedly, are nevertheless astonishing. To what extent is story writing a craft?
Figments of a lack of imagination