Suggestions for better narrative writing
 As
a practitioner of critical and creative writing may I suggest a bare
skeleton for better narrative writing?
Narration in a story as all of us know is what the imagination
creates. But while relating it, the story should be based on
plausibility – facts or actualities. In other words the story should be
narrated in a factual manner.
There should be a natural order. The theme could be treated in a
dramatic manner or even told straight in a realistic way. The reader
should feel the impact automatically. The primary thing is that the
reader should understand what has been narrated without any effort.
Short and simple sentences are more effective than the longish passive
voice sentences.
What attracts the reader most is the dramatic incidents in the story.
In other words the incidents should be described in words as well as
shown in action through dialogue that is dramatic and leads the story to
a finale.
Vivid description of scenes and physical action makes the reader
interested in the happenings in the story.
Mental and physical experiences of significance in human behavior
always interest readers. The nature of people in relation to their
respective experiences is portrayed in well written narrations.
Characterization should evolve naturally in a well written narration.
The place and time in which the story takes place should be
substantially established so that the reader is not confused.
The structure of the story should be compact and neat. Conflict is
the basis of drama and so is in an engrossing story where there is a
tussle of opposing forces trying to score one up against the other.
Development of such features would lead to a logical end.
Difficulty of some sort that must be faced enhances the interest of
the reader.
Narration is told by dialogue, descriptions, use of symbolism and
images, thought and sensations of the characters. In creative writing
both descriptive and narrative forms enjoy wider readership.
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