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
 |
R&B Songwriter & Actor CHRISTIAN KEYES Releases 2nd Single "Love That For Us"@CHRISTIANKEYES #CHRISTIANKEYES
IG@ChristianKeyes
YouTube@ActorChristianKeyes
FB@ActorChristianKeyes
After having all three songs from his recent album, on the Billboard top 30 R&B chart, CHRIST ...more
LaMarr Blackmon • 49 Views • August 31st, 2026 |
 |
Kleptomania: A psychological problem, or hereditary?Photo: A thoughtful woman in a quiet mood struggling psychologically behind kleptomania and impulse‑control disorders.
Kleptomania is widely recognized as a psychological disorder rather th ...more
Joel Savage • 59 Views • August 31st, 2026 |
 |
Morehouse Meets TougalooSunday Blessings,
On August 28, 2026, I had the distinct honor of introducing my good friend to my mentor.
Dr. Robert M. Franklin met Dr. Joseph Jackson Jr.;
Morehouse President Emeritus, Leade ...more
Beverly Johnson • 79 Views • August 30th, 2026 |
 |
2026 Volkswagen Atlas SEL Premium 4MOTION Family MobileThree-row SUVs have become today’s family vehicles, carrying children, adults, luggage, and groceries while delivering the comfort, safety, and technology buyers want. After spending time behind the w ...more
Randi Payton • 85 Views • August 30th, 2026 |
 |
Pamela Kelly Introduces a Game‑Changing Preparedness Cookie —a Powerful Fundraising Opportunity for Non‑PROFITPamela Kelly Introduces a Game‑Changing Preparedness Cookie — And a Powerful Fundraising Opportunity for Non‑Profits
Pamela Kelly, CEO of Century 5‑10‑10‑75 LLC and ...more
rickey johnson • 118 Views • August 29th, 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! • 73,199,322 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 • 122,177 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 • 80,716 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 • 64,202 Views • December 2nd, 2018 |
