One of the perks of being a writer is to read a lot. I have noticed that without reading a lot, it is almost impossible to write. Not only does reading provide inspiration for writing (real or like Anu Malik too sometimes, which isn’t all that bad!), but it also keeps your eyes open to what constitutes good writing.
There are two parts to being a writer – one is to write and second is to edit. For the first part, you need to have a story in the first place. For the second part, an eye on what makes a great story is important.
So what makes a great story? These are what almost every great story has.
Has strong, identifiable characters. The target audience feels like I know this person.
Is believable and real. The reader feels as if it could actually happen. Even if it is science fiction or fantasy, it should be real as per the rules of that game.
Has desire and conflict that is significant. Conflicts that matter raises the stakes.
Is subtle and not over the top. It allows the reader to deduce beyond a point.
Does not appeal only to logic. Feelings and senses are real and the reader feels emotions on reading it.
Is not contradictory to the world view of its audience. Every story is not for everyone, but for whoever it is, it agrees with the world view of its audience. It doesn’t teach or preach but leaves the audience feel like this is so much like me.
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