Storytelling is an art made up of many components, each aspect carrying its own specialty. Some stories explore the depths of love, unpacking the fragile and maddening matters of the heart. Others capture the magic of special seasons. Some reflect the simplicity of truth of everyday life. Your Love in Detty December submission should have all of these but having the idea in the head is simpler than writing and putting the pieces together to create something remarkable.
What then makes a good story? Here are the essentials that shape a story into a memorable one.
Writing a good love story
A love story portrays the emotional connection between two people; how they fall in love. It explores the chemistry, longing and vulnerability which the two characters share. However, any good story needs conflict; the different struggles the two characters encounter and how they overcome (most appropriately struggles relating to the progression of their relationship or otherwise).
There is a place of originality while writing a romance story where the story offers something fresh. You can write the usual cliches with a spin on it, you can tell a familiar truth from a unique perspective. You can also, experimenting with unconventional ideas and structures makes your story stand out.
Also, a good love story must end with an impact on which the readers would feel like they have read something worthwhile. Typically, a love story should end on a loving and happy note but not necessarily. It can end on a bittersweet note, joyful or tragic note.
Writing a December story
In Africa, it is no news that the month of December means something more than just the last month of the year. It is a season of celebrations, festivities and reunions. Hence, writing a December story should reflect the season’s nature. It is essential to infuse Africa’s December energy in your write-up. Remember, Detty December is not just about the raves and parties, it’s a cultural experience. Tap into that energy: homecomings, reunions, the lingering feeling of nostalgia and the excitement that charges the air. Everything is always turned up a notch in December, make sure to capture that as well. Be sure to include elements of Nigerian Christmas traditions also, the communal gatherings, the festivals, the raves (pick elements that relate to your story). In summary your story should reflect the realities of the season.
General Tips
A good story should thrive on relatability, clarity and a mix of didactic elements. Qualities such as originality, authenticity, profound themes, and strong characters make up a good story.
- Originality: Originality is not always about inventing something new. We can even say that there are no new stories or ideas anywhere and because of this it is easy to think; what is left to say? However, originality is about interpreting a common idea from a different perspective, it’s about reimagining clichés and telling your own story in your own words. It is where you use your unique voice in writing rather than imitating other
- Authenticity: An authentic story feels true even in fictional settings and plots. Your story should feel true to its roots, to its setting, and the culture and people associated with them. The dialogue should not feel forced or Westernized; your characters should sound like Africans. Good stories reflect the true nature of the people indigenous to the physical and temporal setting, as well as mirror their real reactions and idiosyncrasies.
- Profound Theme: Every good story is centred on one major theme. The theme is the subject matter or central idea of a work. And for a story to be considered a good story, it should have a profound theme even if subtle such that readers that come for the plot would stay for the theme, especially relatable issues. This makes your story impactful.
- A Strong and Relatable character: Characters that are well developed in a story are unforgettable. Your characters should not be one-dimensional, your protagonist should be well-rounded and dynamic. A good story has characters that are developed and relatable such as those who have strong desires and the tenacity to pursue their goals but also have flaws and can grow to become better or transform to become worse than they were. All these qualities show that the characters are human just like the readers and this makes it relatable and memorable.
- Conflict: The conflict of a story is the ingredient that holds the story and connects events. A conflict is the challenge or issue a character confronts, It is the driving force of a story. It can be external such as the character versus the man/woman, the character versus the society/societal standards or nature or internal like when a character battles with his/her values or fear. The importance of a conflict is that it builds up tension as the reader reads and is on the edge of finding out what will happen and pushes the growth or downfall of the character or characters. A conflict does not necessarily have to be an action but can be an emotional disturbance and strong dilemma that can create suspense.
Stories that remain relevant and remembered are not defined by a single quality but the blend of many of which have been mentioned. All of these essential elements that make a good story. In all, the best of stories live in the reader’s mind long after the last word has been read.
