Because it may occur to the reader that there are also many helps not mentioned here, let me just list the story elements I use but do not talk in depth about. These are elements that are vastly important to make a story enjoyable to the reader, but there is just too much to say about them in this book. So of course, I am a proponent of outlining your work as I have discussed here. But also...
The three-act format--our brains are wired to enjoy these kinds of stories. Don't run from it. It may seem restrictive, but it is terribly important.
The hero's journey--Worried about creating a Mary Sue or an unrelatable character. This is the solution.
Research, research--Some buck this idea, but the reader can tell. Yes, the reader can tell.
Complementary and/or opposite fatal flaws in protagonists and antagonists--if they overcome it they win, if they don't they fall.
Read literature! Ask why this story is a classic and how can I imitate it.
Writing as personal therapy--sometimes it is good to write a character that is struggling with what you are familiar with, then evaluate that character from the outside. It gives a safe perspective to your own struggles and it speaks realism to the reader.
YOU ARE READING
Outlines--A Fiction Writing Help
NonfiksiHere is a catalog of the outlines and notes I make for each of my stories. With each, I will discuss some of the helps that I have found useful so you can as well. Part of making a story enjoyable to the reader is giving the reader the sense that...
