Elements of Story: How Genre Impacts the Importance of Five Story Elements

Elements of Story: How Genre Impacts the Importance of Five Story Elements

Have you ever wondered how the elements of story impact your book’s genre? Do some elements of story have greater importance in a book because of the book’s genre? 

I can think of several times when I’ve gone to a restaurant and taking the time to slowly chew my food, so I can experience how each of my senses is impacted by the food: from taste to smell to sight.

The level of importance the elements of story have on genre isn’t so different. We all have certain tastes—factors that appeal to us in different ways on our taste buds—and it’s the same with our reading preferences. I came to understand this in a profound way when I worked for our local library system, which I’d like to share with you today.

Readers crave certain “flavors” and genre helps them define what they like and discover more of it.

How the five elements of story vary in level of importance because of the genre may impact your perspective—and in a good way, for writers trying to satisfy their target readers! 

How to Write a Book Title in MLA Formatting

How to Write a Book Title in MLA Formatting

You’re writing a paper for school and suddenly you stop in the middle of the sentence. You have to write a book title but you don’t how to format it? How do you format a book title in MLA? Good news: you’re in the write place (sorry, I had to).

In this post, we’ll talk about MLA style and formatting, whether it’s appropriate for your project, and most importantly, how to write a book title in MLA.

How to “Show, Don’t Tell” in Writing With Active or Passive Scenes

How to “Show, Don’t Tell” in Writing With Active or Passive Scenes

We’ve all heard of passive vs. active sentences. Active sentences such as “three men stood by the gate” are more attractive and interesting than passive sentences such as “there were three men standing by the gate.”

But the concept of active vs. passive can also be applied to scenes within a story. Appropriate use of active and passive scenes can give your story an extra kick of life and can help with pacing as well.

Justin Boote on Becoming a Writer Without a Degree in Writing

Justin Boote on Becoming a Writer Without a Degree in Writing

Do you want to be a writer but are hesitant to try because you haven’t taken any writing classes? Wondering if you need to have a degree in order to write?

Guess what? You don’t have to have a writing education to be a writer.

I don’t have one and have been published dozens of times. And today’s interviewee is the same way.

Cailyn Lloyd on How to Get Great Feedback From Beta Readers and Editors

Cailyn Lloyd on How to Get Great Feedback From Beta Readers and Editors

At some point in your writing process, you’re going to need to put your work into the hands of others. Beta readers and professional editors should be an important part of your writing team. (And yes, writing is a team sport!)

I often get a lot of questions about the revision process, namely how to get beta readers and when to hire a professional editor. Our interviewee this month is here to answer those questions!