Some people are simply blessed as storytellers. Others have to develop skills that help move stories in interesting ways.
Three elements of a great story are:
• Characters we love/hate
• Plots that hold our attention
• Endings we like
Classic Stories give us all the elements of great storytelling within classic themes. The themes give writers a framework for attention-grabbing tales. Shakespeare’s plays demonstrate the versatility possible within the themes.
Classic themes include:
• Comedy
• Tragedy
• Forbidden love
• Adventure
• Triumph over evil
Outline
As part of determining an outline consider which portions of these classic themes are within the story. Having an understanding of the type of story and the general themes audiences love will help the writer avoid pitfalls and clichés as the characters move through the plot.
Writers who use a plan, work at implementation, complete their story with fewer revisions becoming extremely productive writers and effective storytellers.
7 comments:
"Plots that hold our attention" is what I'm currently working on. I recently read in a book on writing that the pacing of a book is already slow, so the writer needs to be aware of how fast the story is progressing. At least from a commercially viable standpoint; I'm sure I can come up with plenty of novels that move at a snails pace.
Stopping by for the A to Z challenge!
good post for a to z. Common sense and yet, good to review. Thanks
Hi Steph Thank you, yes, plots that hold our attention!
Thank you for the confirmation Joanne. :)
Wonderful tips! Characters are everything to me and I love books where I love the main character and I really like it when there is a character that I really really hate :D It keeps me reading!
Happy weekend :)
Nikki – inspire nordic
These are great tips. I have trouble reading a book if I don't care strongly about the characters, either rooting for the protagonist to succeed or despising the antagonist and waiting to see if s/he gets what's coming.
Stories are so important - so much of the time we prioritise the writing and forget the reader needs more story, bigger characters, more emotional reasons to keep reading. Great blog, I'm a new follower!
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