Factors that make a writer "classic":
* Enduring influence: Their works continue to be relevant and discussed today.
* Literary merit: Their writing is considered high quality and skillful.
* Historical significance: They represent important movements or trends in literature.
* Wide readership: Their works are widely read and enjoyed across generations.
Possible candidates who might be less likely to be considered "classic":
* Contemporary authors: Authors writing today might not yet have established the same level of enduring influence or historical significance as older writers.
* Genre writers: While popular, genres like science fiction, fantasy, or romance might not always be considered "literary" enough by some critics to be considered classic.
* Authors of specific subgenres: Within specific genres, certain subgenres might be considered less "literary" or less likely to achieve widespread lasting appeal.
* Authors who are primarily popular for their plot and themes: Authors whose works are primarily driven by plot and themes might not be considered as "literary" as authors who focus on character development, language, and style.
* Authors who focus on specific cultural contexts: Works that are deeply rooted in a particular time or place might not resonate as widely across cultures and generations as more universal themes.
It's important to remember:
* Time plays a role: What's considered "classic" today might change in the future.
* Subjectivity is key: There's no single definitive list of "classic writers."
To give you a specific example, while a contemporary author like Stephen King is incredibly popular and influential, his works might be less likely to appear on a list of "classic writers" compared to authors like Jane Austen or William Shakespeare due to the potential for his work to be considered genre-specific and less "literary" by some critics.
However, it's important to acknowledge that Stephen King's enduring influence and the critical acclaim he has received over the years make him a strong contender for being considered a classic writer in the future. Ultimately, it's a matter of perspective and the passage of time.