Just as Robert Ripley's famous series dares us to "Believe It or Not!" I assert that while all good stories contain many of the same elements, to create a riveting tale that readers can't put down, there is one simple yet powerful tool you can use to create such stories.
Common Elements in a Good Story
First, and foremost, a story must entertain. I don’t mean it
can’t be serious or important, nor am I suggesting stories should all be amusing
or light-hearted; but a good story is engaging, interesting, or enjoyable to
its audience. This may account for the popularity of the traveling troubadours
and bards of the Middle Ages. They knew all the popular tales, as well as the noteworthy
theses from the universities, the healing power of herbs and simple medicines, and
the scandals of the royal court. Many also played one or more instruments and
could compose poetry at a moment’s notice. Essentially, they knew what their audience wanted to hear, and they delivered it.
