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What makes a story a compelling story?
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May 30, 2023 · Learn how to write a story, mastering the art of crafting a compelling narrative that captivates and inspires readers. Discover the key elements of storytelling, including how to create a strong hook and develop engaging characters and plot twists.
- Something Unanticipated
- Relevance and Relatability
- Detail
- Emotion
- Narrative Proximity
- What Happened Next …
When I first started thinking about what makes a compelling story, I looked to our story spotting framework. As our framework explains, a story must contain something unanticipated. Otherwise, it really isn’t a story, and it really isn’t compelling. We like to be surprised and learn new things. We tell stories that contain ‘something unanticipated’...
A compelling story is relevant and relatable. Naturally, we are more interested in stories that are relevant to our everyday lives. We are particularly interested in insights that might be useful. We also tend to put ourselves in other people’s shoes – we consider how we would feel in their position, particularly if we can relate to their circumsta...
A compelling story is specific and vivid. We want to visualise the events as they happen and feel the emotional ups and downs. We want to be absorbed! Detail comes from recounting moments rather than describing broad, sweeping narratives. When it comes to such narratives, one of the worst offenders is what I call a résumé story. That’s the one wher...
A compelling story has emotion. The stronger the emotion, the more compelling and memorable the story. We remember what we feel. Topics that can evoke strong emotions include death, the safety of children, sex and power, all of which are intrinsically linked to the human condition and our desire to survive as a species. This story is more compellin...
My brother Scott was at a work conference last week and began talking to a client. After they got past the small talk, they started chatting about their children. Scott’s client – let’s call him Sam – told Scott that he used to have six kids but now had only five. With some trepidation, Scott asked Sam if he was OK with sharing what happened. Sam t...
Finally, when we hear a truly compelling story, we feel the desire to know what happens next. If you can generate that feeling, you have a compelling story. The stories I’ve shared within this post have been told in a suspenseful manner. I don’t immediately give away the entire story. Will Alex finish her song? Why won’t Matt’s candles blow out? Wh...
- The Wayfarer. A protagonist is lost (on a journey) Will Odysseus return to his wife? Does Pi return to Pondicherry? Could Jane find a place to call home?
- The Escape Artist. A protagonist is trapped. Some protagonists grow throughout the journey; others are trying to embark on one. In stories involving an “Escape Artist,” the reader becomes intimate with a character stuck in a trap.
- The Justice Seeker. A protagonist searches for vindication. Justice sits at the heart of many stories, both classic and contemporary. What constitutes fairness?
- The New Neighbor. A protagonist encounters a stranger. While researching how to write a compelling story, you may have encountered the quote “there are two plots: a person goes on a journey and a stranger comes into town.”
Sep 30, 2024 · To build a compelling plot, start with a clear premise, introduce conflict, and shape the story’s arc. Incorporate rising action, a climax, and resolution while ensuring logical progression and engaging subplots that enrich the main narrative.
Dec 19, 2023 · To craft a compelling story, give a great deal of attention to character development. Types of characters. In any story (long or short), there’s first and foremost the protagonist or hero.
Sep 25, 2022 · Writing a compelling story will give your readers a sense of urgency to keep reading. Specializing in one of the above seven ideas can make your writing vastly more compelling.
Dec 30, 2020 · We aren’t taught how to write novels. We may learn grammar rules or how to spot symbolism in literary works or how to invent creative premises, but we don’t learn what makes for a good story.
