What Makes A Good Story......Good?

"What makes a good story.....well, good?" Is a question I often receive. And I had to think about this, too. And so I replied to myself, "Strong characters........thought out plot.....ingenious setting....." But can you guess what? I was wrong! This is what a good story needs, but it isn't necessarily what makes a good story good. And so, I then thought about the outline of the story, and the adventure that the characters partake on.

Yes! That's what makes a good story good. "What outline?" you ask? Well, that is the way the basis of the story begins. From this, you build on it and make it your own, make it good, and then, make it great. So here, allow me to be of assistance and show you what you need to start with:

1. The hero (for arguments sake let's say it's male) is usually either an exceptional being--he is stronger, braver, or wiser than other men--or he is completely ordinary, and has "greatness thrust upon him".
2. Something outside his own home land, and what he is familiar with, calls him to assume his quest.
3. The hero is always accompanied by a trusted friend / sidekick, or a group of companions he may or may not trust.
4. The hero is often helped or hindered by some greater being.
5. The hero must overcome monsters or other forms of obstacles.
6. The hero often has to face many forms of danger and even sometimes death itself.
7. At some point, he is often abandoned by or losses his friend / companions (and is left to face the final challenge alone)
8. The hero returns to what was once familiar to him, and is greeted by joy...or disdain.

"But what about where to start or end? What about the flow? The challenges? The consequences? The characters!!!!!" Well, that is all up to you. And I guess, in the end, YOU are what makes a good story good. For it is YOUR story, and it can be whatever you want it to be.

Happy Writing!

Love Is In the Air

Valentine's Day, is always a tricky business. Some people celebrate it in a flare of passion, expressed in none other than red in pink (which on any other day would clash terribly. YIKES) Others, despise the gag worthy displays of PDA and the corn-mush oooy gooy fuzzy feelings, (usually because they feel, "Valentine's Day is just another way to make singles feel sorry for themselves.")

Me, you ask? Well, old St. Valentine and I (not the one from the Mortal Instruments) have a love hate relationship. No, I do not have a Valentine, or a romantic interest to gush over, but I have a lot of love to give. I think it's important to know that Valentine's day is not only about being asked out by the guy/girl of your dreams, or roses or chocolates or watching the Bachelor (I happened to get roses and chocolates and I will admit was kidnapped and forced to watch the Bachelor, "Curse you trash TV!!!") But back to the point: Valentine's Day is showing you care about the people around you, and giving more than you receive. It's about loving your family and friends, and yes, even that dreamy girl or hunky guy.

So don't waist your time binging on ice cream and popcorn, and crying your eyes out in a dark room while you watch chick flick after chick flick. Call up your friends and go see a movie, have a make over, play board games..........DO SOMETHING FUNNNN!!!!!!! Let the love live on! (It's in the air, isn't it?)

And have a Happy Valentine's Day already!

Warning: Author On Rampage. You Have Been Warned.

You must be wondering why it's been taking me so long to post something on my blog. Well, good news! I've been writing, but more than that I have been studying for exams (WHICH ARE NOW OVER!!!!!) while I blast up "Tokio Hotel" on my stereo. So, there is not much news, but there is news.

Where to start? Well, I've been procrastinating with my novel, but I have been working on another story to keep me in over-drive. >^..^< And though I sort of feel like I'm cheating on my characters, it's something that needs to be done. Not quite ready to post any details about it yet, but checking in; it should be soon!

What's that you say? Oh, yes, my rampage. Well, my latest challenge has been to write a query/cover letter, and I must say it's coming rather well. By sorting out through all the specifics: All the tedious measures to insure that writing a query letter actually seems much more difficult than actually writing the novel, so far I have come up with:

Dear

Yup, that's it. "Dear...." is what I have come up with. "So, Gemma, where are the goods?!" Well i don't know! I mean is it over here, is it over there? Did you check under the kitchen table? No you say? Then is anyone up for a game of Chess?

Alright, but back to the point, it really frustrates me! I mean, the stupid letter just has to be perfect! If I do this but don't do that then, POOF out the window! If I put that paragraph in front of this paragraph, POOF! It's going to take a lot of hard work, but as I said, I'm going to fight!

And, since you've been patient with me, I will give you a piece of the goods. Here is a poem I've written, and I would love it if you would tell me what you think:

“The old moon is hollowed,

With smoke of the fire.

The blood shall be swallowed,

With greatest desire.

A devious smiler,

With hoops of blue jewels,

A charming beguiler,

Who preys on you fools.

He grins at the savage,

He winks at the stars,

He whistles at ravage,

And laughs behind bars,

In the depth of his sin,

He waits and he lingers,

To wash the blood in,

And clean his long fingers.”

© Copyright Gemma 2011

And with that I bid you farewell! Check in soon, because with a new month beginning, crazy things are bound to happen! (Especially on the 14th!) Happy February EVERYONE!!!!!