《How to Write Stories People Will Love》Question 4: Keeping your story on target
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asks: "How do you make sure that your story makes sense? Most of the time, I get confused on whether my work is understandable for my readers. I usually drift off into my mind and get carried away, when I should be sticking to a main topic within my book."
It's easy to stray off course when we write. If you find yourself slipping into a thought stream and meandering in different directions, stop and evaluate what the purpose of that chapter is. You don't have to know how the chapter will end, but you should know what it needs to achieve. Here are some examples of possible chapter goals:
The main character gets to know the love interest better.
The villain is revealed.
Reader finds out why the main character only has one eye.
Reader gets a better feel for the people in the village.
The Mighty Axe of Ass-Kicking gets stolen.
With a purpose for the chapter in mind, you can periodically stop writing and ask yourself, "Does this get me closer to that goal?" If not, then maybe it doesn't need to be there.
As for making sense, this is where outside readers come in. Sometimes we, as story-tellers, forget what the readers don't already know. We know the story, and sometimes skip certain details by accident as we write. Beta readers or critique partners will help you point out plot holes or things that don't make sense. Writing is a solitary endeavor, but it actually takes a group effort to improve it.
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Desolate Era
Fate had never been kind to Ji Ning. Wracked by illnesses and infirm his entire life on Earth, Ning knew early on that he would die as a teenager. What he didn’t know was that there really was such a thing as life after death, and that the universe was a far larger place than he thought. A lucky twist of fate (one of the few in Ning’s life) meant that Ning was reborn into a world of Immortals and monsters, of Ki Refiners and powerful Fiendgods, a world where Dynasties lasted for millions of years. A world which is both greater…and yet also smaller…than he ever could imagine. He would have the opportunity to join them, and in this life, Ning swore to himself, he would never let himself be weak again! The Era he was born into was a Desolate one, but Ning would make it his era.
8 230Welcome to Anarchy: A BNHA (MHA) Fanfic
'I've already experienced one omnipotent being flinging me from one Universe to another...I didn't need another one to destroy what I had just achieved and fling me off into the next' Charlotte Syrup, former Sweet Commander of the Big Mom Pirates, flung into the world of My Hero Academia with no clue what anything is. Quirks? Heroes? Buttcheek clenching superpower? The only thing that comforts me is the fact that this does remind me of 'Earth'...right? Watch as the Overpowered Pirate and her love Portugas D. Ace wreck havoc across the world of heroes and villains. Loser: 'You've got to choose a side!' Heroes or Villains? Me: Well, we're Pirates so...fuck you both Loser 2: What kind of Pirate owns a megacorporation?? Me: My bad...*cough* We're filthy rich Pirates. Wanna sign up? Welcome to the Charlotte Group. Take advantage of a racist world? Check. Take advantage of the oppressive laws people are under? Check. Take advantage of quirks? Triple Check. Still hate governments? Absolutely A story about the conflict between the ideals Peace and Justice against Freedom and Privacy. The realization of the impossibility of Total freedom and the lengths she goes to see it done. Just add massive explosions, lots of swearing, and comedy to the mix. This will be a 2 Part story. First part: PARADISE (A.N): If someone sends me a better title, I will use that. Deal is still up as well :D) Disclaimers: It is to my great displeasure and sadness that I do not own One Piece or My Hero Academia. Hints of Undertale as well...I don't own that either. That is just really really sad. Nor do I own the cover art...but it's pretty close to how I envision Syrup in her late teen years :) On the flip side, I do own Charlotte Syrup, my OC and a couple more extras in the story. Note: This is the sequel to 'Welcome to the Charlotte Family' but while it is recommended to read it before, it is not needed. Separate Universe, different characters and story. But remember, heavily OP MC! But I try to keep it interesting. Give it a try and enjoy!
8 231Bastion Of Heroes
A long time ago, during once was known as the Age of Mysticism, heroes rise and fell. When an invasion occurred, only one place stood where humanity made it’s last stand. This was the Bastion of Heroes. However tales of this history was lost to the ocean of time. When a young boy Seth meets a remnant of this lost history, he made a promise. In exchange for training and skills, he would search for clues to this lost past. Join Seth on his journey to discovering the secret truths of the world.
8 195Great Master of All
Hmm, Basically no Idea for a sypnosis but well. Will he be the great master of all or what might happen? Uhh, warning is there for whatever it is better warned than nothing kek
8 184I don't want to marry the Emperor!
Yu Jiang handed himself over to Kan Bujian's rival group Eryu to settle the blood vengeance his brother created and was torture to death.Just as Yu Jiang thought that he can finally rest in peace and crossover, a dim bright blue light caught his attention and he stupidly walked towards it and then fell into a seemingly bottomless pit. When he became conscious again, Yu Jiang finds himself in a place completely different from Earth and a beautiful young lady loudly sobbing next to him. ....After some time, Yu Jiang realized that he had somehow stolen someone else's body (who coincidentally has the same name as him) and this body's owner seem to have been the sole supporter and brother of the sobbing young girl. With no way to exit the body and get back the original soul, Yu Jiang took pity on Yu Bai and decided then to be the best older brother that he can be and support her in anyway he can till his last breath. ....one years later:Yu Bai, "Jiang Gege, it's rumor that the Emperor is taking in concubine candidates. Bai has applied."Yu Jiang, "..." Yu Bai, "Gege, the selection ceremony will be in three days. Please help Bai. Once Bai becomes Empress, Bai promises to take good care of brother."....Thus begins Yu Jiang's undercover journey in the palace.Warning: READ TAGS!!!Has grammar errors: Please feel free to point it out. I'll correct it later if I have time.Has parts of a typical Chinese fantasy worlds mix with my own creation because I am not that familiar with Chinese fantasy worlds, so don't hate. Happy Reading :)
8 185Dangerously
Samantha Collins tiene 18 años, nació en Londres pero se mudo a New York para escapar de su acosador anónimo. Ella creyó que podía escapar de aquella persona que hacia su vida imposible.Ella no se imaginaba que habia otras personas que les pasara lo mismo.
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