June 22, 2025
I am prepping myself for a major writing project and have been reading quite a bit about writing. One of the questions that I was asked...(No Plot, no problem by Chris Baty) was what makes a good novel. I thought "this is a simple question". I mean I read a fair deal, I know what I like...now, two days later I'm still not sure what the answers are, except that they seem to be entirely objective, and slippery as cow flops after a solid rain. Anyway here is my list.
Things that make a good novel:
A likeable main character
A sidekick or partner
Fantasy
Magic or Supernatural Elements
Loosely based on a historical time period
Physical adventure, not just mental olympics
Good -vs- Evil
Embodied villain (not just an institution or group of ick.)
Characters who try to have character.
Characters with multiple motivations
Word Play, and wit
Situational appropriate humor
Clearly explained new inventions, places etc.
Smart female characters
Appropriate for teens and adults
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