Is the writer, as an artist, special?

One could say that in terms of art, the written word, and in particular the written narrative, are fairly unique. They can be fairly explicit with their message (although many written works contain many alternate interpretations). Unlike a painting, photograph or sculpture, a written work can contain many events. Writing is also extremely accessible; once a person is a proficient reader and has some knowledge of the world, they can enjoy and contemplate the written word. Analysis of paintings or music, for example, is somewhat trickier. The art of writing is also more accessible; most people are now taught how to write, and it doesn’t require expensive materials.

There is also the fact that many societies are built around stories – myths, histories, fairy tales et cetera. Those who record these have a significant role in the preservation of a culture. This even counts for original creations of the author – they reflect the attitudes of the time in some way, and may also contribute to societal change. Non-fiction writers also have a similar cultural duty. Whilst other art forms share this role somewhat, writing (and its predecessor, the oral tradition) is one of the simplest ways of preserving, adapting, and changing culture. Margaret Atwood wrote in Negotiating with the Dead (2003):

Everyone can dig a hole in a cemetery, but not everyone is a grave-digger. The latter takes a good deal more stamina and persistence. It is also, because of the nature of the activity, a deeply symbolic role.

She compares this to being a writer - as the grave-digger carries the mourners’ beliefs and worries about death and what may come after, the writer carries their society’s defining narratives and ideologies.

This is what makes the position of writer 'special'.