What do you think are the basic ingredients of a story?
Coherence, mystery and narrative centred on a very focused theme. Dan Brown has this down pat - you should check out his web site; he offers fantastic advice to all writers in formulating the answer to this very important question.
As I don't write fiction (except for a few children's stories many years ago, which I never submitted for publishing) my basic ingredients are a person to interview preferably in the environment they are comfortable with, which has their personal stamp on it.
To ensure a cathartic journey for the reader. Emotional involvement. Love, war and humour are very important on any given levels.
An interesting voice telling a strong tale. A viewpoint that makes the story fresh and above all, believability.
The answer to this question depends on who you ask. Literary purists will give you a laundry list of elements you must have. My creative writing teachers would probably mark me down for my answer, too. But I honestly believe that the key element, as simple as it may be, is a compelling story that keeps the reader turning the pages. I've read novels and short stories that are missing the story - they ramble from one unrelated "happening" to another and this just doesn't work. Second, you've got to have characters that your reader loves or loves to hate. Something in all of those characters has to strike a chord with the reader - some trait, or history, or outlook, or belief of each character should evoke an emotion. If you've got those two elements, you're going to have a story that engages the reader and leaves them wanting more.
It must grab the reader on the first page. It must have a good plot or story and plenty of action and pace. No beating about the bush and boring the reader with humdrum things.
narrative creation of ideas live inside than the one live outside the mind of thinkers
Passion, depth, good solid writing, a new take or fresh perspective, spiritual meaning.
any ingredient should touch me deep inside.
if i am not touched by it, then how can my audience feel the me who is being touched?
A teaspoon of freshness
A cup of unforgettable characters
A pinch of plot
A whole lot of imagination
Believable characters and an awesome plot.
The basic ingredients of a story include the beginning, the middle, and the end. A story must have believable characters who have conflicts and motivations.
I think first-rate characters and a believable plot are the backbone of any story.
The first line. The last line. A foundational conceit. Perhaps one character.
I habitually start with a conversation and get to know the characters by how and what they say.
Anyone who has read me will not be surprised by my saying this: Plot is over-rated in fiction as far as I'm concerned, though my action-oriented style and eschewing of superfluous, obtrusive description leads many to be disappointed when they find out I do not have some ingenious McGuffin to impart.
First one has to have an idea. Without a plot the story is not a story is it? Then one needs to develop characters to tell the story. Then one needs backgrounds. All three must fit together like a hand and a glove. Once I have these I try to find ways to make them different. Maybe the character could have wacky personal traits. Maybe the background could be unexpected.It must be different somehow or you get a carbon copy of everyone else. |
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