How to Write Good Stories: Tips and Techniques for Crafting Memorable Tales

Understanding the Basics: What Makes a Good Story?

Well, if you're here, you're probably wondering how to write good stories. Honestly, writing a great story is a skill that anyone can learn, but it takes time and practice. I've had my fair share of struggles with writing, but over the years, I've picked up a few tricks that have helped me shape my ideas into stories people actually want to read.

A good story, at its core, needs a few key elements: compelling characters, an engaging plot, and a satisfying resolution. But beyond the basics, there are little nuances that can make your story truly memorable. Let’s dive into what makes a story truly stand out.

Focus on Strong Characters

Honestly, characters are the heartbeat of any story. Without well-developed characters, your plot can feel flat. I’ve found that the more you invest in your characters' emotions, their desires, and their struggles, the more your readers will connect with them.

Take a moment to think about some of your favorite stories. What makes the characters memorable? For me, it’s always been the characters who feel real—flawed, conflicted, and relatable. I remember when I first wrote a story about a shy character who faced major internal conflict. I thought it would be boring, but when I added real emotions and struggles, it became one of my best pieces.

Crafting a Captivating Plot: What Keeps Readers Hooked?

Structure Your Plot, but Don't Overthink It

A good plot has ups and downs, twists and turns, and moments of tension. But don’t get too bogged down in the structure—there are many ways to craft a plot. What works for me is starting with a simple outline, and then letting the story evolve as I write. Actually, I once spent hours planning out every single detail of a plot, only to realize that my characters had taken the story in a completely different direction! And you know what? It worked out better than I had planned.

Think of your plot as a journey for your characters. They should face challenges that change them in meaningful ways. And don’t forget the conflict—whether internal or external, conflict is the thing that keeps readers turning the pages. When I first started writing, I didn't fully understand how important conflict was, and my stories felt stagnant. It was only when I added real obstacles for my characters that the stories came to life.

Include an Emotional Hook

Well, I’ve learned that an emotional hook is what will truly pull readers in. From the very beginning, your story should evoke some kind of emotion—whether it’s curiosity, excitement, or even fear. I try to make sure there’s something in the first few paragraphs that makes the reader want to keep reading. One of my first stories had this little moment of tension where the main character was unsure whether they would meet their love interest. It wasn’t a huge event, but it made readers invested in what would happen next.

Dialogue and Setting: Bringing Your Story to Life

Dialogue: Make It Real, Make It Matter

Honestly, dialogue can make or break a story. It’s one of those elements that sounds simple, but can actually be really hard to get right. What I've learned is that dialogue should sound natural and serve a purpose. It shouldn’t just fill space—each line should reveal something about the character, move the plot forward, or build tension.

I remember getting frustrated with dialogue early on because mine always felt stiff and unrealistic. But once I started listening more carefully to how people around me talk—paying attention to their tone, the pauses, the interruptions—everything clicked. Now, my characters feel more alive, and the conversations they have actually tell you more than just the surface-level words.

Setting: Create a World Readers Want to Step Into

Honestly, setting might not always get the love it deserves, but it’s so important. The environment you create in your story shapes everything from mood to character decisions. Whether your story takes place in a busy city or a quiet countryside, the setting should feel like an active part of the story. A setting can be the thing that gives your characters a place to grow, struggle, and change.

A good example? I once wrote a story set in a small, isolated town. The setting wasn't just a backdrop—it influenced the actions of the characters. It felt like the town was holding its breath, just like the characters were. When I started paying more attention to how setting interacts with plot and character, my stories became richer and more immersive.

Wrapping Up: Keep Practicing and Stay Inspired

Don’t Fear Imperfection

Honestly, the biggest mistake I’ve made in my writing journey was thinking that every story had to be perfect the first time. It’s easy to get frustrated when you write a story and it doesn’t turn out the way you imagined. But here’s the thing: writing is a process. My best stories weren’t written in one go—they were reworked, edited, and refined.

So, my advice? Don’t be afraid to mess up. Don’t be afraid to write badly. You can always fix it later, but the most important part is that you’re creating. Over time, your writing will improve, and your stories will become more engaging and powerful.

Stay Inspired, Keep Writing

If you’re serious about learning how to write good stories, the best thing you can do is keep writing. Inspiration comes in waves—sometimes, it’ll hit you like a lightning bolt, and other times, it’s just a slow burn. But don’t worry about having the perfect idea every time. Just keep working at it, and you’ll get better, I promise.

Writing good stories isn’t something that happens overnight, but it’s a skill you can absolutely develop with practice. Keep at it, and remember—every great writer was once a beginner, just like you!

Is 165 cm normal for a 15 year old?

The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.

Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?

How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).

How tall is a average 15 year old?

Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years

How to get taller at 18?

Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.

Is 5.7 a good height for a 15 year old boy?

Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).

Can you grow between 16 and 18?

Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.

Can you grow 1 cm after 17?

Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.