There's an old saying in the teaching of writing; Happy families are boring. What this means to fiction writers is, your stories have to be about people who are in not so happy situations. How do we do this?
First off we have to understand, that part of what makes a story interesting is seeing some sort of action. Not just any action but action that shows us change. You show your main character living life and then as quickly as possible something in their life changes. Not just any change but a what's the worst that can happen change.
Of course your character has to be likable. You have to establish that as quickly as possible too. Because if readers don't like the character, they won't care about the change in said character's life.
Modern stories are told in scenes. Each major scene with your lead should be about the main character trying to get out of whatever jam the major change has put them through. And each scene should end with your character a little worst off. This will keep people reading. You know how when you watch your favorite show and it ends on a cliff hanger, you can't wait for next weeks episode. Well if you end your scenes and chapters this way reader won't be able to put your book down.
I'll tell you another way to keep readers coming back for more, in my next instalment.
No comments:
Post a Comment