What Makes a Fiction Story Pop?
|
Posted By: Carol Gosa-Summerville on February 28, 2018 Fiction writing is tricky because you have to introduce characters and create stories around them. The stories have to be compelling enough that readers care about them and cheer for their happy outcome. When I discuss "The Burden of Sweetberry" I'm surprised to find that many readers identify with her and aredisappointed that she didn't get to her happy ending. Originally, the story was going to end with one book. But there was so much interest in Sweetberry's happiness that I had to bring her back. My niece said, "Aunt Carol, I want Sweetberry to win." A member of one of the clubs said, "I just thought she and Deacon Hess were going to be together." Still another reader said, "Sweetberry deserves to be happy." I had to rethink the idea, especially after talking to a marketing specialist who said writing a series of books is a good way to build your reading audience. Why so much interest in Sweetberry's happiness? I concluded that it was because readers cared about her. She was flawed, but she had redeeming qualities. Also, many women saw themselves in her. She was spiritual, convicted and disciplined. She raised good children and she was an activist in the community. Her good outweighed her bad, and the readers bonded with her and cheered for her. So what makes a fiction story pop? It's finding ways of making readers care about the characters, to put themselves in their place and sympathize with them. It's characters that make them laugh, cry, dream dreams and think thoughts that are uniquely theirs. If you enjoyed this article, Join HBCU CONNECT today for similar content and opportunities via email! |
 |
Carol Gosa-Summerville
Teacher, Tuscaloosa City Schools Member Since February 2018 |
Comments
More From This Author
Latest Blogs
 |
CONNECTED TO THE MOST HIGH — EVERY MINUTE, EVERY DAY
“CONNECTED TO THE MOST HIGH — EVERY MINUTE, EVERY DAY”
You are connected to the Most High — not sometimes, not occasionally, but continuously. That divine connection is available to you fourt ...more
rickey johnson • 70 Views • May 11th, 2026 |
 |
Review of the 2026 Mazda CX-90 PHEV Full-Size SUVTwo years ago, Mazda shook up the big SUV market with the CX-90. It was unique and more enjoyable to drive than many rivals, but it also had some quirks. For 2026, Mazda isn't trying to reinvent the w ...more
Randi Payton • 81 Views • May 11th, 2026 |
 |
Audubon Center now that's a place to find KrishnARun don't walk to your nearest Audubon Bird Center
https://columbusaudubon.org/ ...more
Hija Chang • 96 Views • May 10th, 2026 |
 |
Best Mommy MemorieSAttending a baby shower for my sistA
Attending college graduations during Mommuhs Month
The month of May is hectic or relaxinG
Finals, Graduation,
Traveling, Private Pilot Lessons, Weddings, P ...more
Hija Chang • 112 Views • May 10th, 2026 |
 |
Team mates Central State University 👩🏽🎓👨🏾🎓Capitol UniversityLong Street to thee Gould Coast
Mothers you make life like a Dozen Roses like A to Z each moment each memory each clover is unique🎰
May family life keep our Mommuhs hyppy ...more
Hija Chang • 91 Views • May 10th, 2026 |
Popular Blogs
 |
Divorce in America in 2009 – What’s love got to do, got to do with it?
Join Brother Marcus and the cast and the crew of the Brother Marcus Show live this Sunday evening on February 1, 2009 @ 8:00 p.m. for another hot topic in our community! “Divorce in America in 2009 ...more
Brother Marcus! • 71,334,274 Views • January 27th, 2009 |
 |
VISINE ALERT!!!Seemingly innocent medication such as Visine eyedrops are used by people to concoct a mixture with similar effects as a date-rape drug.
When mixed with alcohol and taken orally, the eyedrops can l ...more
Siebra Muhammad • 119,601 Views • May 23rd, 2009 |
 |
"Chain Hang Low" check out the real meaning of the Lyrics!Recently there is a new artist out of Saint Louis that goes by the name JIBBS. Jibbs debut single "Chain hang low" has a history that most people are not aware of. The particular nursery rhyme that th ...more
Tyhesha Judge-Fogle • 77,984 Views • November 9th, 2006 |
 |
HBCU Marketplace Gifts: Divine 9 Premium Fraternity / Sorority Playing CardsVendor: Charles Jones
Item Price: $20.00
Price Includes Shipping: Yes - Shipping Included
Item Description:
Pantheon Series - Divine 9 - Premium Playing Cards (choose Gold Series or Silve ...more
Hija Chang • 62,811 Views • December 2nd, 2018 |
