Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Nail on the head

I just read this article about the principles of making your novel compelling and I could not agree more. For those too lazy to follow the link, I will emphasise and reiterate what every good novel should contain:
  1. A good hook - if the story doesn't grab you from page one, you're doing it wrong.
  2. A strong voice - if the voice of the novel has its own style, you're half-way there to an interesting read
  3. A good/interesting story - that should go without saying
  4. Compelling characters - strong, relateable and believable characters (not just 16 year-olds with strong desires for centenarian vampires)
  5. Commentary on the human condition - something that resonates with the reader


Maybe I have rose-coloured glasses on but I know I followed those principles when writing my novel (even if I didn't know them at the time). Feel free to disagree, though, as that's what makes us human after all :)