Beth Revis
1. The story means something to the reader. It can remind them of themselves, or love, or inspire courage, or even anger them to action--the most important thing is that they feel something.
2. The story is entertaining. Snobby people think entertainment isn't as important as a message, but a message isn't received if the reader is too bored to read it.
3. Characters that are real. This means they are vividly portrayed, are not cardboard cutouts or shills for the author's voice, and reflect the world as it truly is rather than a narrow viewpoint.
4. Prose that is both elegant and deft--but also that is told in the author's unique voice. You need not be Hemingway or Austen; be yourself, but be true to yourself.
5. Characters that take action. Passivity and apathy is possibly the worst traits a character (or human) can have.
2. The story is entertaining. Snobby people think entertainment isn't as important as a message, but a message isn't received if the reader is too bored to read it.
3. Characters that are real. This means they are vividly portrayed, are not cardboard cutouts or shills for the author's voice, and reflect the world as it truly is rather than a narrow viewpoint.
4. Prose that is both elegant and deft--but also that is told in the author's unique voice. You need not be Hemingway or Austen; be yourself, but be true to yourself.
5. Characters that take action. Passivity and apathy is possibly the worst traits a character (or human) can have.
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