Elements of a Good Book
I replied with a snore, hoping he'd think I was sleeping.
He nudged me again. Gah! So, rather than discussing the building blocks of a great story at midnight, I told him I'd do a blog post on it.
How's that for a segue? Yeah, kind of lame, but it's the best one I've got and I did promise him, so here we go, kids. Buckle up and strap on your helmet.
Top 3 Elements of a Good Book
1. Connect at an emotional level.
All authors and readers have one thing in common: they're human. Humans have emotions. I don't care if you gargle with razor blades just for fun because you're tough. Unless you're a psychopath, you will cry if you see a puppy kicked to death. A good book will crack you open and play a tune on your heartstrings, leaving a mark long after you've closed the cover.
2. Freshen things up.
Good story writing makes a reader finish a book. Great story writing makes a reader sit up and beg for more. How do you go from good to great? Describe mundane things in a fresh, new way. Don't tell me the man had rotten teeth, tell me that his teeth looked as if he dipped them in mouse-colored velvet. Eew! Now there's a word picture you won't soon forget.
3. Twist the plot.
Would you like to wake up every morning for five years and eat oatmeal? I'm guessing not. Why? Because no one likes predictability (and there is the off-chance that you don't like oatmeal, either). Surprise is the name of the game, baby. Readers love it when a curve ball in the plot throws them off balance, something they didn't see coming.
Think about one of your favorite books. See if you can identify these three elements in it. Here's my example:
JANE EYRE by Charlotte Bronte
1. Emotional Level
I connect with her because she's a fiercely independent individual yet gives in to moments of self-doubt.
2. Fresh Prose
"Jane, be still; don't struggle so like a wild, frantic bird, that is rending its own plumage in its desperation."
Love that she's compared to a frantic bird. I can see that image in my mind.
3. Plot Twist
I did not expect Mr. Rochester to get blinded and who knew that Bertha was up in the attic?
So there you have it. If you want to write a good book, incorporate those three elements and you'll connect a deep level with your reader.
3. Plot Twist
I did not expect Mr. Rochester to get blinded and who knew that Bertha was up in the attic?
So there you have it. If you want to write a good book, incorporate those three elements and you'll connect a deep level with your reader.