The Simple 5 Step Secret To Great Fiction
Below is a MRR and PLR article in category Writing Speaking -> subcategory Writing.
The Simple 5-Step Secret to Great Fiction
Summary
Stephen King famously begins his novels with a "What if?" question: What if a woman and child are trapped in a car by a rabid dog? What if a pet buried in a Pet Sematary returns to life? What if a young girl can start fires with her mind?
Many bestselling novelists like Jodi Picoult, Janet Evanovich, and Nicolas Evans also use this approach. Others might see a vivid image or hear a persistent sentence in their mind, following it to wherever it leads.
While such insights are invaluable, they often leave budding writers asking: "What’s next?" A story needs more than just a starting point. Here are five essential elements to elevate your fiction from "What if?" to a compelling narrative.
Step One: Desire
Your protagonist must want something. It can be as simple as a glass of water or as complex as restoring balance to their world. This desire is the golden thread running through your story.
For example, in a love story, the object of desire is the beloved. In a story about illness, it could be finding a cure. In a failing marriage, it might be the search for independence. The choice depends on your story.
Step Two: Conflict or Opposition
Nothing propels a story forward like conflict. Once your protagonist knows what they want, there must be obstacles. A strong antagonist?"or situation?"will create tension and drive the protagonist to change.
Consider memorable conflicts: Harry versus Voldemort, Luke Skywalker against Darth Vader, or Jason Bourne against the CIA. In a love story, the lover themselves often create the struggle. In an illness story, it might be red tape or financial barriers. In a failing marriage, the other partner might be the obstacle.
The opponent should challenge your protagonist significantly, making the journey compelling.
Step Three: Moral Dilemma
Conflict should force your protagonist into a corner, challenging their values. They must face decisions that test their core beliefs, leading to the most intense conflict in the story.
In a love story, the dilemma might be between love and security. In an illness narrative, it could be between health and authority. In a failing marriage, it might be between freedom and security.
This choice pushes the story toward its climax.
Step Four: The Battle or Climax
This is the story's peak conflict, where the protagonist confronts the main opponent. It’s a classic showdown?"revealing surprises or shocking truths.
Explore your characters' extremes: Do they fight back or surrender? This battle should bring about irreversible change.
Step Five: Resolution
A good story answers the initial question posed. How has the protagonist grown? How do they see themselves differently? What impact does this have on others?
Don’t over-plan this step. Often, the right resolution will naturally emerge during writing. Trust the process.
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By following these five steps, you can craft engaging stories. Have a character with desires, create obstacles, pose a moral dilemma, build to an intense climax, and resolve the journey. It's simple but powerful!
You can find the original non-AI version of this article here: The Simple 5 Step Secret To Great Fiction.
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