Wednesday, September 2, 2015

What is one of the most important element to a good story?


Luckily, I haven't developed any new insecurities ( at least not one involving writing :) Just thought I'd share a few things with you so you might write something fantastic. Here they are:

  • What do you think is one of the most important things you need for a good story? I think it' s conflict. Does that mean you need to start your story with a bar room brawl? No, but you need to have a struggle of some sort. You must have a problem that needs to be resolved. Maybe your main character wants a part in the school play, but she won't even try because everyone knows who'll get the part. Or maybe your character has serious stage fright to overcome.
  • Who should come up with the solution to the problem? 
  • Your main  character should be involved in finding the solution so he/she grows, or changes during the story.
  • Is there more than one kind of conflict?
  • Yes, you can have an internal conflict (fear of something) or an external one when one of the characters is working to prevent something from happening. For example, let's say Suzie wants the lead in the school play. She's been practicing and she's finally brave enough to audition. But Lucy always gets the part. Usually, nobody else even tries for it, because they figure Lucy will automatically get it. Lucy's a little worried that Suzie actually could get the part so she taunts her about it. "Suzie, did I hear you practicing the music for the lead in the play?  Boy, do you need the practice. I can't imagine you think Mrs. Candee will choose you for the part!" That's an example of external conflict because Lucy tries to discourage Suzie from trying to get the part.
  • I remember when I first started studying writing for children. I didn't have any conflict at all! My characters were so boring! I didn't realize you needed conflict to have a good story!
I hope these little hints help you create a great story!

copyright 2015 Deanie Humphrys-Dunne


4 comments:

  1. It's always good to read that someone isn't experiencing any new insecurities in this group. Yay!!
    Thanks for the great advice.

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    1. Thanks, Julie. I usually have the same little doubts and they get kind of boring after a while. Glad you liked the little bits of advice. Thanks for stopping by. Always fun to hear from you.

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