All good stories start with a question that creates tension. The hook is set and the reader is propelled to the next page. Here's an example:
Dear Randy,
I tied a brick around the dog's neck and threw it off the dock. Don't rush to look, it is already done. I'm sorry.
One short paragraph and you have tension along with multiple questions. Whose dog was it? Why did she kill it? Why is she sorry?
The second key to a good story is a twist. You lead the reader to think the answer is one thing and then reveal something entirely different. The best twists are the ones that shock you, where you have missed all the clues. My sis-in-law Leigh is a master at this (check her out at http://www.viewsofanoptimist.blogspot.com/).
Knowing how to write a good story and actually writing one are entirely different. For me, the tension comes easy but the twist, now that's a different story.
I love a story to a twist to it. A good topic for T Post.
ReplyDeleteYvonne.
Thank you:)
ReplyDeleteOoh, a story with a twist, one of the best kinds. You certainly got the tension going in one short paragraph, leaving me wondering - what happens next?
ReplyDeleteGood post! I agree. I much prefer a story with a twist, rather than predictability.
ReplyDeleteHave fun with the rest of a-z.
Thanks for visiting Jessica and the nice comment.
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