Tie Ning is someone who knows exactly where she's going in life and isn't averse to ruffling a few feathers along the way. Newly elected as the president of the Chinese Writers Association (CWA), the 49-year-old is raring to get to grips with her new post.

As both the first female leader of the influential writing association, and also the youngest, Tie challenges the stereotyped image of the 57-year-old association in the minds of many.

Her two predecessors, Mao Dun (1896-1981) and Ba Jin (1905-2005), two literary giants who made their names in modern Chinese literature for their works attacking the feudal society, such as the novels Midnight of Mao and the Torrents Trilogy of Family, Spring and Autumn of Ba, headed the organization at the age of 53 and 80, respectively.

"It's a great honor for me, as the former two presidents of our association are landmark personages in Chinese literature. The literary treasure that they have created and their huge personal charm and prestige have influenced the entire literary community and readers of an entire generation," said the award-winning writer after hearing of her election.

Aware of many other top writers who could have so easily taken the position leading the country's foremost literary body, she looks upon her new challenge as tolerant recognition by her literary colleagues.

Tie admits that in today's China, consumption of literature has changed dramatically. The time when a local novel attracted tens of thousands of readers has gone. It's something she is acutely aware of but does not dwell on too much.

Media dubbed her election as a turning point for the association, which is often criticized for having increasingly less cohesion among writers. The young CWA leader is being seen as someone who has the capacity to inject vitality back into the writers' organization, which has over 7,600 members.

"The time of giant personas is ending and the grassroots age is coming. Tie Ning is a real writer, and she can unite people, " said famous writer Sun Xiaoyun on his blog.

More hands on

For various reasons, the two former presidents did not participate in the practical work of the association, and the position of president was in effect an honorary title for the two master writers.

In Tie's eyes, the CWA is not a powerful institution, and the leader of the association is also not an official of power, but not just a figurehead either.

"For me, the most important aspect of the job is to unite writers and help them to produce more excellent works. That's my responsibility. It's the happiest moment of your life when you are needed," said Tie.

Her leadership abilities are well known by her colleagues. While serving as president of the Hebei Provincial Writers Association, Tie devoted great efforts to helping young writers and creating more opportunities for them. She also successfully raised enough money to build a literature center and set up a literary institute for the province.

The downside is that Tie realizes the position of president will affect her writing time, but she's pragmatic about that too. "Official positions, such as the president of CWA, are not a target that I have set for my life, but now that I am put in that position, I must dedicate myself to it unconditionally."