A big-picture approach to writing helps you satisfy readers’ expectations, identify details, add emphasis, and sequence events. A successful story aligns several essential elements.
Story Elements
A symbiotic relationship exists between characters, plot, theme, and structure.
- Characters are who experience the story.
- Plot is what happens within the story.
- Theme is why the story matters.
- Structure is how the story is told.
Leverage the Essential
Starting from the initial concept to the published novel:
- Adopt a structure (e.g., the Trellis Method) to sequence events and amplify emotions. For instance, consider how your choice of Story Beats can exceed reader expectations.
- Develop realistic characters who show emotions as they change and grow. For example, Populate your novel with people who show traits and behaviors that make readers long to know more.
- Design a plot that forces characters to face conflict through a series of events. Create a triad of plot, characters, and theme within a logical structure.
- Form a theme that conveys universal truth and human insights. Whether you prefer to write based on characters, plot, or theme, you can use any of the three to flesh out the other two.
- Adhere to genre conventions and obligatory scenes. For genres, one size does not fit all. Research and choose the genre that fits the narrative you want to write.
Your book has the potential to entertain, inform, and inspire. Combine the essentials to create an emotional sum greater than the parts.
I encourage you to check out story structure, emphasizing character development, plot design, theme formation, and genres selection.