Writing is not a recipe. To create a good story, you do not have to put in a list of ingredients to make it turn out. Instead, writing is an expedition-- a discovery of new ideas and ways to say things. New stories. And there’s no recipe for a new story. It will be exactly what you put into it.
That being said, there ARE certain elements that help a story along. These things are a little like salt and butter… You don’t use them in every recipe, but usually, things are better with them in it.
So what are these things that can make our stories better when we include them?
1.) Good characters
I’ve said it once, and I’ll say it again: a story is only as good as its characters. If your characters aren’t engaging with strengths, weaknesses, and idiosyncrasies all their own, it won’t matter how good your plot is. Good characters are what make you CARE about the plot. And anyway, if you do it right, your characters will create the story and plot for you.
2.) Strong voice
Someone once told me that one of my stories had a "strong voice.” A strong voice to me means that you are doing the following:
A.) Writing in a tense that is comfortable and natural to you. This could be first person, third person, or even second person if that’s your thing.
B.) Whatever tense you are writing in, you are giving your story “personality” through the way you tell it. Every story has a voice, even if it’s written in third person. Sure, when you choose first person it’s easier to add a voice because you’ve got a character behind every word and thought— but the writer behind the words can be just as vocal and quirky as a character.
C.) Being true to your inner writer. What I mean by that is that you aren’t just trying to mimic Anthony Doyle or Bil Lepp. You are writing and telling in your own unique voice— your authentic, one-of-a-kind way. People can tell when you’re not being you... find your voice and use it. You don’t need to copy anyone. Be true to yourself.
3.) Mystery
Every good story has a little mystery. It doesn’t matter if you are writing a memoir, an adventure book, or retelling The Billy Goat’s Gruff. The fact of the matter is, everyone likes to wonder a little bit. Readers and listeners are drawn in by the unknown— Who is Luke’s father? How did Harry get that scar on his forehead? When will Pam and Jim FINALLY get together? It doesn’t have to be a huge secret. It can be as something as simple as, “How will the fairies clean up this huge mess?” or as problematic as, “How will Marty get back to the future?” To put it plainly, don’t spell things out and make your reader think and wonder at least for a little bit.
4.) YOU
A story needs your investment in order to be good. If you aren’t invested—if you REALLY don’t want to write it and put the time in... chances are it might not be your best work. A story needs your involvement and excitement. Like a good friend, BE there for your story.
So there you have it. Just a few ingredients you can add to your next story to make it extra tasty. As I mentioned earlier, there is no set recipe or formula— but a little butter never hurts.
