How To Write A Good Werewolf Story(Real)

How To Write A Good Werewolf Story

UPDATE 2019: I wrote this sometime in 2016 in a late night rage fueled haze after reading through one two many copy cat stories in the werewolf genre. Some parts are a lot more thought through than others and some I added cause I'm a literal gremlin in real life and I have no patience with dumbass stuff/stupid cliches. So don't take it personally.

Alright, this started as a rant but over time I realized I wanted to help people more than hinder their creativity so I tweaked and changed a few things. Please don't take anything I say here as a rigid set of rules. This how-to is more of a set of "suggestions", if you will. 

The steps mentioned are what I consider mistakes or overdone elements/cliches in werewolf stories I've seen all over Wattpad and would really like to see people work on or stray away from. 

If you have any questions or I missed something you think I should cover feel free to leave a comment! I love it when my stuff sparks discussions pls don't be shy!! I'm not that great replying within a reasonable time but who knows maybe someone else will have an answer to your question!

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Step 1) STAY AWAY FROM ALPHA STORIES:

Look, its tempting to go for the oh so unoriginal and overused alpha theme but in all honesty it can get tiring reading alpha story after alpha story. If anything its just an easy pass; it's normal, familiar and safe. Something no writer wants(safe doesn't mean interesting; Harry Potter wasn't "safe", Percy Jackson wasn't "safe" so don't go for "safe"!). The real challenge lies in not using the Alpha story premise. 

Alpha stories may seem like an easy fix but really its just so very dull. Spice it up a bit, don't be afraid to GO OUTSIDE THE BOX. 

Side note: And if you were going for an "alpha" type character you're not required to make the main character's personality an "Alpha" type. People have differing personalities: you can have an alpha that's loud and in your face or one that wise and forgiving. Just like you can have a beta that's a lot more in charge or commanding than the Alpha but the Alpha still has the last say. People are different; personalities and how they interact with others shouldn't be dictated by their jobs or roles in society. Make them have personalities DESPITE their positions. 

Step 2) No instant love connection:

Sorry, nope, not happening. If its done plausibly and well enough you MAY be able to get away with it like say instant ATTRACTION. Which is completely different from the instant love i constantly see: instant attraction is wanting to date that hot guy at Target or get the number of that cute girl from school but instant love is the intense feeling that everything little thing they do is perfect and lovable and just NOT how things work. In my opinion anyway. Getting away with the "instant love" card takes experience and talent and it's not a great starting point for novice/amateur writers.

Yet again, "Instantaneous mates" is just another easy way out. It's quick and painless and a lot of the time... very predictable. it also leaves a huge gap for your story. If anyone knows romances like I do it's the build up towards the inevitable "I love you" that people like and REMEMBER the most. 

It's the fights, the cat calls, the secret glances from across the room, and the heated blushes that make people want to read MORE of your story. If you cut out all of that and move on straight to the baby making you've just jumped your work from "romance" to "erotica" which is probably not what you were aiming for(if it was heyyy good for you).