Писатель должен обладать даром поэта и фантазией ученого. As a whole, I agree with this quotation. Moreover, a writer must have a lot of life experience. Do you agree with me?
Ответ на комментарий sowhat29 #
I like your translation, it sounds Russian. Though I would add the notion of precision to it. My version is «Писатель должен быть точным, как поэт, и изобретательным, как учёный».
I agree with your point, it shows sense. I would also mention attentiveness as a writer's essential property.