How to Write an Enjoyable Story

The Hunger Games Trilogy didn't just become world-wide famous best-sellers out of luck. Every best-seller has its own reason to be a best-seller. There are a few qualities that make it enjoyable, otherwise, good enough so the reader won't stuff it back into the bookshelf.

For unpublished adventure authors, character growth is key. After your protagonist had a long, meaningful journey, he or she's probably learned a lot. When he or she get's home and everything is back to normal, how will their behavior change? What is different about them? How did the lessons they learn change themselves?

There is much, much more to character, but I will discuss it on a separate time. Now, let's talk about the plot. There are way, way, way too many wizard/witch/magic stories today. So unless your ideas can outshine Harry Potter times ten, throw your wizard story manuscript into the trash. You have to make your plot interesting. Very interesting, that is. The moment a reader decides that the plot is boring, so will your other readers. Add in unusual characters and give them space to interact with one another. Combine fantasy with crime, creating a thoroughly interesting plot.

And most importantly, stick to your story. Your shy character shouldn't be jumping around and shouting at something in public. And if your theme is fantasy, you're not going to add in high-tech robots who decide to kill everyone. Stay on topic. This is what kids are learning these days. Stay on topic. Don't get sidetracked.

Always be ready to cut something out. Kill off some characters. Prim was killed in The Hunger Games, how did Katniss handle that? How will certain character deaths impact other characters? Try changing a bit of your protagonist's personality. How will they react to things then? I recommend free-writing with your protagonist. Put them in a totally un-related situation and see what they will do.

Ask others to read your manuscript and rate it. If they enjoy it, so will others, probably. It is a good idea to befriend other writers, bookworms, and authors. Share your ideas with them and see what they think.

Make your reader cry his or her heart out. Add in unexpected character deaths in important characters. Read Bridge to Terabithia to see why this is a good idea. (Warning: Tears will come.)

And lastly, never say your work is perfect. NOTHING is perfect in this world. Every good book isn't perfect, it's as good as the author can make it. Make your story so close to perfect that people will consider it perfect.

Make your story enjoyable.

- Ashlyn, Aspiring Author of Today