Five things contribute to the writing of a good story, the writing coach of the Ottawa Citizen said recently in Halifax.
The advice given by Lynn McAuley is useful to our staff, but also to freelancers for our paper and Western People magazine.
McAuley summarized a good story should have:
1. News: What happened.
2. Scope: How big of a deal is it.
3. Impact: What is the significance of the news; who cares, why should the readers care?
4. Context/background: This should be placed high in the story.
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5. Edge. What happens next in the story, who gets brought in.
McAuley also gave ideas on what writers can do to make a story more compelling to read, such as building the character.
Find out details such as age, height and weight, even if they’re not used in the story. Look at the stage of career; study the person’s hands or feet; find out about the person’s education. What is the character’s accent, dialect, vocabulary or speech pattern?
What is the person’s attitude toward people, and how does the person interact with other people?
Learn the person’s favorite writer or food; study the book shelves in the office or room; examine the desk.
Convey emotions – as a writer, watch for things that tell the readers about the character. What is the dominant trait in the individual?
Perhaps add physical features, such as clenched teeth, or touches such as a firm handshake. This reveals more about the character.
Facial expressions, dialogue responses and points of view also build a picture for readers.
Use all your senses, coaxed McAuley, and use those senses to reveal the character, the setting and the story.
“Bring people back by making us entertaining and powerful to read,” she told journalists.
