Personally, what makes me love a story is the characters. They have to either be real, or awesome, or both. When I say real, I don't mean they actually existed, only that their emotions make sense and they don't seem overpowered for their story. I think we all know what I mean when I say awesome, but I'll give a few examples anyway. Batman. Drizzt Do'Urden. Artemis Fowl. The Avengers. Maybe it's hard to suspend disbelief at those characters, but I'm not going to care if reading about them fighting makes me cheer inside.
I also want a story I haven't read over and over again. You all know what I mean. I read fantasy, and I'm tired of the stories where a teen becomes the chosen one and leaves home to defeat the dark overlord. Every genre has it's overused plots. If a writer is going to use one, to enjoy their work I need them to make it fresh.
Sometimes, a world lacking in one of the other elements will be saved because it's wonderful. Now I'm talking about worldbuilding. A created world can be totally nonsensical or feel like my backyard, but the description brings it alive. Sometimes I just want to keep reading to discover more of the story's world.
And finally, there's a mystery element. Sometimes the characters aren't awesome or real, the world is sadly lacking, and the plot's been done a million times. Yet I'll read it and treasure it, and if someone asks me why I like the story, I won't be able to answer. I just do
What makes good writing in your opinions? (I'm not sure if this is the right place to post this, but it seems best.)What makes you want to read?
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