What are the elements of a great book?
For many of us, when we begin our first book, we are entirely in the dark on what it takes to put together an engaging book that will keep our readers turning the pages.
During December, we will explore the elements of a great book and how you can incorporate them into your writing.
As I stated before when I wrote the first draft of my first novel, I finished the story, and I had a sum total of ten-thousand words. It was pretty apparent that while I told the story that was in my head, I didn’t have quite enough words and action for a book.
So, in my continuing quest for the do’s and don’ts of writing, I started to read the books on novel writing. I have to report that it seems like EVERYONE has an idea of how to write a novel, and there are tons of books out there.
So, I read the ones that had the best reviews. I learned a lot from both Writers Write and K.M. Weiland. While Ms. Weiland offers books and workbooks to utilize, Writers Write provides a class in novel writing that is excellent. I think I’ve managed to use everything I learned from their course.
In my last blog, I listed the elements: Plot, Characters, Viewpoint, Dialogue, Pacing, Style, and Beginning, Middles, and Ends.
Today’s blog will begin the discussion on PLOT.
One of the most important questions a writer can ask themselves about their story is, “Does the novel have a plot?”
Without a plot, there isn’t any chance of engaging readers, so it is important to note that a plot is your protagonist’s story and goal.
Your MC, or protagonist, needs to have a goal or mission to accomplish within the confines of your story. The plan will drive the plot.
The second question is, “Is this goal strong enough to sustain an 80,000-word long novel?” Readers prefer it if the protagonist not only has a clearly defined goal, but they need to encounter obstacles along the way.
And it is these things that are the essence of your storyline.
Next time, we will explore more about the plot and how it affects your writing.
