Is the writer as an artist special?

Of course the writer would like to think so, who wouldn't? But is the writer actually special or is it what they write that should be considered special? 

When reading a book I don't often consider the author and how 'special' they are as an artist. It was only until earlier today in my author studies class that I even considered the life of the author. I'm sure most of you wouldn't take the time to research the author of the book you were reading (unless perhaps it was relevant to the story), and surely this shows that the author is not that special?

Once something has been published; or even just seen by people who aren't friends and family, the author no longer plays a part in what they have written. Barthes 1967 'Death of the Author' essay supports a similar theme that the writing and the creator are unrelated.
Once the book is in the hands of the reader, I consider the person who is reading it to be the special one. They have to use their imagination to create scenes and images out of the words that the author has given them. Every reader is different in their interpretations of characters and settings etc. which to me, makes their artistic imagination the most special part of any book.


When a piece of work is in progress, in an artistic point of view the author is the most important and 'special' person when looking at the success of a piece of work. However, once it is released to public eyes, the author, whether willingly or not, relinquishes their importance over the piece.