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Aug 9, 2021 · What makes a book good? Is it a great story idea? A memorable protagonist? An inimitable writing style? Great books contain all these elements and more.
- Sharp, Memorable Dialogue
Writing dynamic, believable, and lively dialogue is an...
- Outlining in Advance
Plotting your entire novel can be an enormous challenge....
- The Type of Literary Devices They Prefer
Last updated: Sep 7, 2021 • 8 min read Literary devices are...
- Sharp, Memorable Dialogue
Feb 13, 2018 · A truly masterful writer can take any topic and make it an enjoyable read, simply from the use and structure of language. And by ‘any topic’ I’m being literal. The topic could be microwave oven repair, or the instruction manual for my car… anything.
- Readability. All authors should strive for clarity, but bestselling authors go beyond simply getting the point across by creating a narrative that’s “unputdownable.”
- Strangeness. “You don’t need fantastical elements” to create a “strange new world” for your protagonist. Introducing your lead character to something wholly unfamiliar to his daily life “adds tension and introduces intrigue” to your story.
- Controversy. Many writers shy from controversy to avoid alienating or offending readers. Bernhardt, however, suggests going all-in: “For every protester, you’ll find five new readers who want to know what the fuss is about.”
- Big Actions with Big Consequences. If your lead misses her bus but then gets right on the next without incident, you’ll lose a reader’s attention pretty quickly.
- 10 Ways to Make A Good Story Succeed
- Give Your Story Strong Dramatic Content
- Vary Rhythm and Structure in Your Prose
- Create Believable, Memorable Characters
- Make The Important Story Sections Effective
- Deepen Your Plot with Subplots
- Make Every Line of Dialogue Count
- Add What Makes A Good Story
- Create Conflict and Tension
- Deliver Knockout Endings
Give your story strong dramatic contentVary rhythm and structure in your proseCreate believable, memorable charactersMake the important story sections effective‘Man has bacon and eggs for breakfast’ is not a story idea that is going to have readers clawing for a copy of your book. It also is highly unlikely this would sustain an entire novel or an entire story. ‘Man has bacon and eggs for breakfast, but the bacon is made from human flesh’ is a story scenario with much more dramatic potential (this could b...
Writing instructors often advise creative writing classes to write shorter, punchier sentences. Short sentences are great for increasing pace and help to make scenes that have tense subject matter tenser in mood. Yet be wary of monotonous writing. Vary sentence length. Tap out the rhythm of your sentences’ syllables every now and then, or read your...
Why do we find some characters more memorable than others? Because they have one or more of the following: 1. Unique voices, personas and expressions 2. Intriguing (or baffling) goals and motivations 3. Flaws and weaknessesas well as strengths 4. Distinctive appearances (including body language, gait and mannerisms) Note that appearance comes last:...
Each part of a story needs to be effective to make it good. Great openings create fascinating introductions to authors’ worlds, characters and plot scenarios. In a brilliant middle, your story might: 1. Introduce new characters who help or hinder your primary character(s) 2. Add subplots that supplement your main story arc (more on this in number 5...
What is the definition of a subplot?
A subplot is ‘a secondary plot, or a strand of the main plot that runs parallel to it and supports it’. An example of a subplot would be the departure of the character Quoyle’s wife in the early chapters of E. Annie Proulx’s novel The Shipping News. This becomes part of the subplot of Quoyle grieving for (and looking for substitute) love. The subplot sets the tragic tone for the novel and the pathos of it, Quoyle’s heartbreak, drives the reader to invest emotionally in his outcome. This is wh...
Make every line of dialogue count. In great dialogue: 1. We gain a sense of characters’ different personalities, views, quirks (everyone has their own voice) 2. Dialogue serves the story (characters don’t just sit around telling each other what they had for breakfast) 3. Dialogue deepens or develops connections between characters such as conflict a...
What makes a story great? Besides unforgettable characters, a crafted plot, engaging action and dialogue? Immersive settings. A great story puts us right in the heart of its scenes, its world. How do you write a great setting? 1. Make place a character.Don’t just give a house a shape and colour. Give it personality. Is it old and dank, shutting out...
When we read the word ‘conflict’ we often think immediately of violence. War, for example, or physical fights between adversaries. But there are many kinds of conflict you can use to improve your story. Characters’ internal conflicts create tensionby making readers wonder whether they will overcome their hurdles. Characters might also grapple with ...
The ending will either entice a reader to seek out other novels you’ve written or donate the book they’ve just finished. Don’t let your book be clutter. End on a lingering impression:
- 8 min
To help you create that oddly intimate writer-to-reader relationship, I’ve put together the most important standards for writing 1) an excellent story 2) in an emotionally engaging way. Because that’s what defines a great book: stellar storytelling and masterful writing.
- Abi Wurdeman
Jun 30, 2022 · Contents show. It Tells a Compelling Story. First and foremost, a great novel tells a compelling story that readers can’t put down. With compelling characters and an intriguing plot, a great author can captivate readers from beginning to end.
Mar 16, 2015 · People enjoy books with a high level of readability—books with a captivating story and memorable characters, books we can’t put down, books that stick with us long after we’ve read the last word.
