Last week I discussed the hero’s story goal in fiction, but if you write nonfiction, especially self-help, you may feel a story goal doesn’t relate to your book. But story goals do relate to nonfiction in a way many people don’t realize. People read nonfiction for various reasons, sometimes for the sheer entertainment, but often…
Earlier this year I looked at 4 important elements in fiction writing. Here’s a quick review: What does the hero want? (This is the story goal.) Who or what is opposing the hero getting what she wants? What will the hero’s life look like if she does (or does not) get what she wants? Who…
All great fiction writing has more than 4 important elements; however, in my opinion, there are 4 that are the driving force behind your story. Any avid reader can quickly identify when a book is going to be great or not. They may not be able to tell you the elements that are or aren’t…