SpookyDuet

Holla, I'm a 23 year old avid reader, aspiring writer and horror film enthusiast.

Junior Contributor I

  • Articles
    0
  • Featured
    0
  • Comments
    3
  • Ext. Comments
    3
  • Processed
    0
  • Revisions
    0
  • Topics
    2
  • Topics Taken
    3
  • Notes
    2
  • Topics Proc.
    0
  • Topics Rev.
    0
  • Points
    89
  • Rank
    X
  • Score
    41
    Sorry, no posts matched your criteria.

    Latest Topics

    7
    Published

    What makes a 'good' story?

    The art and craft of storytelling isn't something that is 'known' but something a writer becomes to learn, with practice. However, stories (as a whole) can be extremely subjective; not every story/narrative is going to be loved by every reader. So: what makes a story 'great'? What elements of traditional storytelling constitute a good story? Are authors who attempt to undermine these traditions 'good' storytellers?

    • This is a good start! You really ought to find some examples of some 'great' stories and see what threads may exist between them. Likewise, you could also find some bad ones and see what common mistakes they made. – majorlariviere 5 years ago
      3
    • It's all subjective, in the end, I agree. Some 'great' stories may have similar characteristics, or what is generally accepted and praised by the readers. In some cases it may be the name attached to it, making it a 'classic' so, therefore, it's seen as great, but I think what makes a good story is a sense of perspective, environment, description, and a well thought out idea. No matter the genre, the story needs heart. – sarahjae 5 years ago
      2
    • Depending on the genre and demographic you are trying to reach. A "great" story includes a sense of authenticity and complexity within each character. This helps us as readers to understand their motives, relate to their actions and witness growth within the story itself. – Key 5 years ago
      0
    • I think this is a very interesting topic. Writing is definitely subjective can people have different likes and dislikes. One person might love a story while the other is just uninterested. I think what makes a good story is making raw connections within simple things. It's about being able to relate to different topics. A story should have unique characters with quirky traits. It should ahem conflict and challenges. It's not about how intense a story is, it's about the deeper meaning behind simple things. – sarahandrosoff 4 years ago
      0
    5

    Flashblacks and flashforwards in fiction - how useful/necessary are they? When does too much become

    The use of flashbacks and flashforwards is a controversial subject among writers and writing advice pages. Some encourage flashbacks/flashforwards, while others encourage to avoid (especially if they bogg the narrative down or doesn't contribute anything to the overall plot). How does this criticism and in depth understanding of this literary device assist writers in improving their craft? How does this affect the way writers read/analyse flashbacks and flashforwards in fiction?

    *Two novel's that could be discussed in detail is "A Visit from the Goon Squad" by Jennifer Egan and "Time's Arrow" by Martin Amis.

      Sorry, no tides are available. Please update the filter.

      Latest Comments

      Conflict/inner turmoil is also what propels the story forward. It makes the hero more developed, ’rounded’ and relatable. If there is nothing for the hero to conquer/overcome, the story/plot practically comes to a standstill.

      Exploring The Hero's Journey: A Writer's Guide

      I actually wrote a research essay for University on the value of fanfiction, especially in regard to Harry Potter. I argued that its the Harry Potter fandom that has found new ways to interact with the series, through Pottermore and/or fanfiction, which, in turn, has maintained its relevance in popular culture and its popularity in general. I know that Drarry (Draco x Harry) is a popular queer pairing in the fandom and so is Candyshipping/Rarry (Ron x Harry). In the Sherlock fandom, Johnlock (John x Sherlock) is also popular.

      Fanfiction is just another way for fans to interact with,and even build upon, the original material. Especially where there is a lack (or even an absence) of queer representation in literature and film, it becomes a creative outlet for fans, re imagining what ‘could’ have been.

      Fanfiction and LGBT+ Representation

      A few others that I’ve been recommended:
      Save the Cat! Writes a novel by Jessica Brody.
      How to be a Writer by John Birmingham.
      Writing Down the Bones by Natalie Goldberg.
      A Writers Notebook by W. Somerset Maugham.

      Essential Books for Writers