Originally original

Origin stories are all the rage these days.

From Wolverine and Batman to more realistic individuals like Jackie Robinson and King George VI, you can find their stories in books, film, and throughout the world wide web. Not everyone’s origin story is interesting though.

If you want to capture a reader’s attention and not lose it along the journey, Carmine Gallo says you need four basic elements in order to execute a good story: structure, characters, conflict, and resolution.

• A story’s structure absolutely impacts how the plot develops and how its main points are introduced to the reader.
• Writing in characters that readers connect with will result in a greater chance that any message you’re trying to send will be received.
• Objectives and obstacles lead to more exciting plot lines, further holding a reader’s attention span.
• When the story ends, bring some closure along with it. Providing relief or inspiration will make readers feel like the journey is complete.

And there you have it. Craft these four basic elements carefully and thoroughly and the origin story will write itself!