Things I've Learned from Mibba: Writing Appealing Stories

The Stories section of Mibba is one of the areas we can suggest is most active on this site. This particular section in Mibba offers a wide range of genres that writers can choose from thus creating an endless pile of narratives. If you happen to pass by the Stories section, you wouldn't be surprised that there are different stories under a specific genre that you can pick up and read.

Although there are many stories to choose from, there could only be a few that could set the bar high and meet your expectations. This is no small task for any writer to come up with a story that attracts many readers – in fact, it never is. Still, writing a piece that can appeal others is not an impossible task but a hard-won journey for any writer.

When starting on your own story, here are few factors that you can look into and improve.

Brainstorming a Plot

Begin with thinking of a plot that is original and intriguing. A plot is your main ground on building your story. This is the starting point where everything develops and heightens. Deliberating a plot for a story comes at unexpected times; when you shower, shop or even before you sleep. In other words, you will be showered with different ideas at times when you least expect it. It is important that you take note of those plots because one of them could be a smart choice for your story.

Once you've chosen a plot that you deem a good choice, make sure to edit it repeatedly. Go over it one more time because plots are very essential to a story which could either make or break it. Keep on editing your plot until you think it’s satisfying.

A 360 Degree Character

Fictional characters are no different than real people. Actually, fictional people are usually based on others we see in our daily lives. That is why imagining characters for a story is pretty burdensome. We have to think of their background, their personalities which are based on their history, their family and close relatives, even how they talk. We writers are going through all this trouble to avoid “Mary Sue” characters that are described as perfect and ideal. Give a lot of effort on characters; they will surely help you in the long run when they make your setting seem more realistic.

Here’s a tip, write down the personality of each character and make sure you stick to that throughout the entire story. Then, you can base their looks on their personality. Everything about a character connects to one another that make us look at the whole picture.

Proper Grammar

As always, grammar and spelling are always included in writing any piece. No reader will continue reading a story that they can barely understand. Grammar and spelling work hand in hand to give a full view scenario on what’s happening to our story.

When you're done writing the first chapter, make sure to go over it again for any obvious mistakes. That way, readers will continue reading your story and you'll feel more confident that the reason behind that was your hard-work on making it as perfect as you can.

Creating Layouts

Before reading any real piece of your story, the reader first acknowledges the layout. It is the second thing (after the short description) that people see and recognize. Sometimes, when one sees a layout, they will already choose whether or not to go on with pursuing your story. That is one of the purposes for making a layout, they are made specifically by the writer to lure in readers. There are several things to consider when creating a layout: the theme, characters and sometimes the length of the story itself.

If you happen to have difficulty in creating a personal layout, there is always a plan B. You can always request for an original layout in the Request a Layout Thread!

Let your mind relax and allow creativity to flow in your mind. Make sure to always keep a pen and paper nearby when ideas strike at the spur of the moment. You'll never know what your next big project is. So good luck and enjoy!

Megurine Luka has contributed a lot in this article because she herself is a story editor who has a special place in her heart for stories. I’d like to thank her for helping me out on this article.

Special thanks to Airi. and aubs for editing!

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