What makes a good story

What makes a good story

1. Dramatic content

   • A story about “man eating bacon and eggs” isn’t interesting. A good story requires some kind of hook to get the readers attention
     • Kinds of dramatic elements
       • Conflict
       • Tension
       • Mystery
       • Surprise
       • Controversy
       • Suspense

2. Varying rhythm and structure

   • Stories require varied writing in order to engage the reader, and grab their attention

3. Good, believable characters

   • Making good believable characters allows readers to appreciate and emphasise with them (or hate and despise them)
     • Good character elements
       • Unique voice, persona and expressions
       • Intriguing or baffling goals and motivations
       • Strengths, flaws and weaknesses
       • Distinct appearance

4. Make every piece of dialogue matter

   • Dialogue needs to be memorable and have a clear purpose, or else the story becomes masses of character talk, which mostly doesn’t advance the plot or allow for powerful writing
     • You can do this by:
       • Making characters speak to the point
       • Don’t use filler words excessively
       • Make their dialogue advance the plot

5. Craft an incredible introduction

   • Introductions are essential in that they engage the reader and incentivise them to read more, and often create the main plot line for the book
     • Do this by:
       • Hooking readers on your writing style
       • Create questions the reader is determined to answer
       • Introduce key conflicts and characters
       • Promises a meaningful reading experience