Think back to some of the stories you' ve read in the last year or two. Of those, maybe you had one that you started to read, but you just couldnt get into it. Why? What made
you keep putting it down? On the other hand, think about a story you really enjoyed.
What literary elements did the writer use to make it impossible to put down? For
example, was the protagonist easy to relate to? Did the author describe the setting with
such vivid detail that you felt you were right there?
Authors will produce works that place more emphasis on one element than another. As
a result, sometimes there are gaps in literary elements that typically appeal to you as
the reader. Discuss some of the recent stories you've read that have missed the mark.
What advice would you give to that author to fill in the gaps you felt were missing? Also
give your opinion on some stories that you've really enjoyed. Explain the elements that
make it a good story. For example, how did the author use character, symbolism, or
point of view to create such a page-turner?