Mikki asked Maria V. Snyder:

This might be a stupid question, but how do you write a good book?

Maria V. Snyder Hello Makayla! There's no such thing as a stupid question ;) However, there are some questions that are too big to answer in one sitting! There are a number of elements that go into writing a book. Of course there's the basics of language and grammar and writing style, but there's also characters, setting, plot, conflict, and tension.

My focus is always on the characters. I figure out what the main character desires more than anything else (her goal), why she wants it (her motivation), and then I put a bunch of obstacles in her way so she has to work really hard to achieve her goal (conflict) - and she has to do it - no one else can swoop in and save the day unless she's working with a team and they're all equal partners. That is the basic plot of all novels. For example: Harry Potter wants a loving family (goal), because he never had one (motivation) and he has to defeat Voldemort in order to achieve his goal (conflict). I hope this helps a little - it's a complex question and I can write pages for each of those elements that you need in a good book!

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