Every writer faces the same dilemma when crafting a story - how to keep readers coming back for more? A well-plotted story with compelling characters is key, but there are a couple of extra factors that keep readers engaged and begging for the next story. Creating a "good" story is easy - taking it to the next level is what many beginning writers struggle with, but luckily, that extra polish can be learned.

Clarity
All stories need a hook to grab a reader, and then more reasons to keep reading, to be compelling enough to engage the reader so thoroughly that they forget the rest of the world even exists. There are many reasons why a reader can disengage from a story, but a major one is confusion. In their eagerness to craft a pretty sentence, too many writers forget about clarity. Clarity is necessary in writing, from an article to a blog post to a novel. Losing points for an unclear sentence that a reader stumbles over is an utter waste. Be clear. Say what you mean as simply as possible. Never give the reader a reason to pause and wonder what you meant by a certain phrase. The words can only flow as long as there is complete clarity of meaning.

Cadence
Poetry isn't the only form of written word that requires a certain flow. Even a short story or a novel needs rhythm. A variety of phrasing, sentences of differing lengths - these and more are needed to develop a story with a cadence that's a pleasure to read. Even an exciting chapter can seem dull and lifeless if there is no variation in structure. Push your story to a professional level, bring a tale to life, and earn readers who will read anything you write by making sure your words are enveloped by a cadence that's as interesting to read aloud as it is in one's mind.

Closure
Throughout a story, a writer makes promises to a reader, but it's at the end where the final battle between writer and reader takes place. This is when all may be lost in a sentence. The promises need to be fulfilled, and the main plot's ending must satisfy. But there are other endings, too, within a story. These might include the end of a dilemma, of a sub-plot, of a minor character's journey, even of a life. It's the path to these endings that are the point of the story, the reason readers keep turning pages. The resolution of each of these parts is what provides a reader with closure. Too much, and there isn't a reason to read a sequel. Too little, and the reader will feel as though something is missing - a real problem in a standalone book in particular. Strong endings with enough satisfaction, surprise, and emotion will keep readers excited for the next story you write.

If you're worried about taking your stories to the next level then take into account these core rules. Do your words mean what you think they mean? Are your sentences conveying a clear concept? Does each paragraph have its own rhythm that flows smoothly? And are your endings, both minor and major, fulfilling the promises you made to your readers along the way? These concepts will smooth out your writing, fulfill your reader's expectations, and help you build a long-term career.

Copyright © Gotter on NiceAnswers.com 2017

Editor's Note: Find below links to information on how to keep your readers satisfied;
Tips on how to master clarity in your writing
Tips on recognising and improving cadence in your writing
Tips on having good closure at the end of the story