What Kind of Reality Check Do I Need Quiz
Q&A for How to Write a Good Story
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QuestionI want to give my story to a teacher, but I keep on writing different stories because I've lost interest in that story. What do I do?Community AnswerFind a writing buddy (someone else who likes to write stories, too). Share your unfinished story with him or her, and get some help figuring out how to finish it. Then, finish it and turn it into your teacher. Even if you don't feel really inspired by it anymore, you'll have completed the story and turned it in.
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QuestionIf I'm a high school student and still learning English, can I write a story?Community AnswerYes, writing a story is an excellent way to help improve your English skills.
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QuestionShould I be writing stories which are similar to other famous stories?Bananagrams2006Community AnswerYou could if you fancy, but maybe put a unique twist on it. Sometimes it is also good to create your own story and storyline.
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QuestionHow do you think of a good character's name?Community AnswerThere are name generators online, but you can also use a friend's name or a name containing a word that is a hint about that character's personality.
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QuestionHow do I know if it is a good story or not?Community AnswerGet others to read your story: family, friends, teachers, colleagues, whoever. Ask them to be honest and tell you what they think of it. Don't let harsh criticism knock your confidence; if someone says they hate it or they really don't like it, ask them for detailed feedback so you can improve it. Don't be afraid to edit and rewrite based on their critiques. Don't stop until you think your story is as good as it can be!
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QuestionHow can I keep my character's behavior consistent throughout my story?Community AnswerTry to become the character in your head, and imagine what you would do in the situation you've created. You can also create a profile for the character, describing his or her likes, dislikes, and overall personality.
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QuestionHow can I keep my story interesting?Community AnswerContinue introducing new conflicts and dramas, but don't have constant action - an interesting story has highs and lows, and one can't exist without the other. It's important to take breaks from the action, for realism in the story and to keep the reader from passing out.
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QuestionHow do I choose a good topic to write a story about?Community AnswerThink about what you're most interested in and write a story about that. For example, you might write about a wizard fighting for justice, because you might like to be that character and go through the same adventures. If you like the characters and the settings you're writing about, you'll be that much more motivated to put together a good story.
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QuestionWhat should I do if I run out of ideas?Community AnswerGet inspired by the world. Take a walk and see what you can find. Look for traits of every day people. Ask what if.
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QuestionHow can I come up with horror and gore elements to put into my story?Community AnswerThink of what scares you the most, and use elements of that in your stories. If you are scared by your own work, your readers will be *terrified*. Don't set out just to scare your reader, set out to write something that you will be scared by. If you're scared of ghosts, have a ghost in your story - just make sure to have your ghost be unique in some way.
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QuestionWhat length of time does it take to write a decent story?Community AnswerIt depends on the author and how long the story is. The author might be writing at a slower pace, or the author might be a well experienced author who finds it easy to write. It doesn't matter how long it takes for you to write it, just write at your own pace and try avoiding taking really long breaks in between, because then you might find it hard to get back to writing.
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QuestionWhat should I do if I start writing a story and then get ideas to write different stories?Community AnswerIf you get ideas and don't want to stress yourself with two stories, get a notebook and jot down your ideas for later.
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QuestionHow do I make my story unpredictable?AslamsisjdCommunity AnswerThink of a predictable ending for your story, something the reader would think would obviously happen. Now think of the exact opposite of that!
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QuestionWhat can I do if I get bored and stop after starting?Community AnswerWriting is hard. If it wasn't, everybody would do it. Set a time each day to sit down and write for an 30 minutes to an hour. Set an alarm on your phone so you don't forget. If you can't convince yourself to do that, then writing probably just isn't for you. You can also try writing very short stories for now so you don't have time to get tired of the story.
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QuestionIf I have not finished the story but I find it boring and the pictures ugly, what do I do?Community AnswerTry to add a twist in the part where you feel its boring and if you have time, try to change the pictures . Just believe in yourself.
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QuestionI only have less than a week to write my story. How can I still make sure that my story will be interesting?Community AnswerFollow the tips in this article and then get feedback from a relative or friend.
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QuestionAm I copying someone else's work if I use the same characters in a different book?Community AnswerYes, you would still be copying someone else's original characters, which take time and thought to develop. If you have the author's permission, or if you're just writing your book for fun without the intention of publishing it, then it shouldn't be an issue.
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QuestionHow do I add romance to a story without it taking over the main idea or plot of the story?Community AnswerYou could make characters show some signs of love, but not too much. Make it part of the story, but not the whole story.
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QuestionWhat if I want to write a story with a friend but they have different interests?Community AnswerFind someone who is interested in the same thing, or find a topic you both enjoy.
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QuestionI've been learning Spanish in school, and I'm writing a story with Spanish gods. How do I choose names?Community AnswerBecause it is a story about gods, and because most myths give their gods and goddesses really literal names, I would attempt to find an archaic Spanish word, or a Latin word, that sums up that god. If you don't like that idea, splice some Spanish or Latin words together to make up a name.
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QuestionAfter I write my rough draft, do I go right onto my final copy?Community AnswerAfter completing your rough draft, ask some other writers to read it and give feedback. Make edits based on their feedback (do another draft), and then ask for feedback again. Usually you'll need to do several drafts before a final copy.
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QuestionWhat if I can't really get inspired and all the suggestions I thought of are boring?Community AnswerJust write from your heart. The heart is always interesting.
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QuestionWhat are some good suggestions for dangerous plots?Community AnswerSuspense with a lot of scary details that will attract readers' attention is the way to go. Try stories involving daredevil antics, extreme sports and skating on thin ice.
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QuestionIs there a common rule on how long sentences should be at different times of the story?Community AnswerNo. Your writing voice determines the length of your sentences and the pace of the story. Listen to your voice.
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QuestionI never finish a story I start. Is there something wrong with me?Community AnswerThere is nothing wrong with you, many people have this problem. Try setting writing goals. Make sure to write every day, even it's just a little bit. Reward yourself when you accomplish your goals.
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QuestionHow do I make my story interesting?Community AnswerTry adding more detail, and if possible you can add more events to the story.
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QuestionHow can I make my story's ending satisfying?Community AnswerTry to avoid happily-ever-after endings, but add some element of relief at the end. For example, the main character might not get exactly what they want, but is happy with the outcome.
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QuestionWhat is a good way to choose the right name for a character in a story?Community AnswerConsider factors about that character. If they're a tough individual, give them a name with sharp sounding letters. If they're a sweet person, give them a gentle, elegant name with soft letters. You can even write the character with a temporary name until they're better established.
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QuestionHow do I write a good story for teens?Community AnswerThink of your life as a teen and how you can relate your experiences to the story you're writing. Also keep in mind that teens like to think of themselves as adults, so don't simplify your story too much.
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QuestionHow do I express a moral in a story?Community AnswerUsually this is done by having a character make a mistake and then having them learn from this mistake by the end of the story.
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