It’s often said that no two authors write alike, and that’s certainly true when it comes to what makes a writer a writer. Every writer’s voice is different, and that variety can be both exciting and refreshing. Even if you do end up writing in a very similar vein to other writers you’ve read or listened to, you’ll be able to distinguish yourself with your unique spin.
But what exactly is it that makes up a writer’s “spice”? And which courses can teach you to cook it up?
The Elements Of Creativity
There are basically four things that go into crafting a solid story. But to call it a ‘solid story’ is perhaps a bit misleading, as there are countless ways to improve upon the basics:
- The introduction
- The plot
- The character arcs
- The dialogue
The Intro
An intro is the first part of a story. It’s often set in the past, and it functions as a kind of prologue. It can introduce the main characters and set the scene for the rest of the tale. However, it needn’t be about the past. An intro can also serve as a great opportunity to flex your creative muscles and experiment with different styles and voices.
The Plot
A plot is what happens in the story. It’s usually three parts:
- The set-up
- The action
- The resolution
The set-up is the part where you introduce the reader to the main characters, the place, and the problem. The set-up should give the reader all the information necessary to follow the rest of the tale. But it should also leave them wondering questions about what will happen next.
The action is what the characters do – it’s their journey from the set-up to the resolution. During the action, the reader should experience the story through the eyes of the main characters. They should have a central role throughout, as the events of the story unravel around them.
The resolution is when the story comes to a climax and brings everything to a head. The resolution should answer all the questions the reader might have about the story. It should resolve any conflict, and bring about a sense of closure. In addition, the resolution should leave the reader wanting more.
A good plot will always make the reader want more. Even if the story ends happily ever after, the reader will leave feeling a bit restless, as there will always be more to learn or discover. A good plot is a storytelling triumph.
Character Arc
A character arc is the development of a character over the course of the story. It can be a simple matter of a character learning something new about themselves, or it can be a quest to overcome an obstacle in order to achieve some goal or purpose. Either way, a character arc usually leads to a bit of a change in their inner-state, and that transition should be interesting to follow.
Some characters arc more naturally than others, so paying close attention to what makes a character tick is vital. There should be a through-line of logic that connects the various events and experiences that make up the story. A writer can sometimes hint at this connection with hints, little asides, or character’s thoughts and feelings that provide more insight into their motivations. This aspect can add a depth and dimensionality to a story that is otherwise paper-thin.
However, just because a character arc is a necessary part of a story doesn’t mean it has to be a conscious decision on the part of the author. There are many instances where fate, circumstance, or events beyond the control of the character themselves bring about this change. In these cases, the author might not even be aware that they’re writing a character arc, but it will be evident to anyone who’s reading the story.
Dialogue
Dialogue is all the speaking that takes place in a story. Like with a play, the dialogue should serve the story. It should be well-crafted, with great attention to detail and an eye for natural dialogue. A good story will often times go unspoken between characters, which is fine as long as the reader is given ample cues and explanations through the use of dialogue.
One of the most interesting things about dialogue is how different it can be from person to person. Even if the person speaking the dialogue is playing the same character, the way they say things can still sound completely unique. This is part of what makes writing dialogue so much fun, as it allows you to experiment with different styles and create a memorable moment.
The use of dialect, archaic words, and slang adds great flavor to the dialogue, and it can make or break a story. If a reader can’t understand what’s being said, then the story will seem unrealistic, forced, or simply untrustworthy. Attention to detail is essential in order to make the dialogue sound authentic.
Style And Tone
Finally, we have style and tone. These are the overall aesthetic qualities that make a piece of writing stand out. The style can be formal or informal, as can the tone. A story can have a whimsically whimsical tone, or it can be more on the formal side. It can even be a combination of the two. This part of the story is all about you and how you want the story to come across.
It’s often said that no two stories are ever truly the same, and that’s true. But to be able to identify key elements of any story, one need only look to the basics: introduction, plot, character arc, and resolution. These elements will always remain regardless of the author’s style or tone. The only thing that will change is how the story is told.