Welcome to the launch of my exciting new series exploring Fictionary’s 38 Story Elements! Whether you’re a seasoned author or an emerging writer, this series will serve as your comprehensive guide to crafting engaging, impactful stories. Writing a great story is much like preparing an incredible meal—a delicate balance of ingredients that come together to create an unforgettable experience for your readers.
At the heart of this series lies the wisdom of Kristina Stanley, founder of Fictionary Software, who spent years analyzing the world’s most popular stories. Her research identified 38 essential “story elements” grouped into three supercategories: Character, Plot, and Setting. These elements act as the key ingredients to your storytelling recipe, each contributing to the flavor, depth, and cohesiveness of your narrative.
What Are Story Elements?
A story element is one of the many building blocks that make up your novel. Each element invites you to analyze a specific part of your story—whether it’s the development of your characters, the structure of your plot, or the richness of your setting. Together, they create the map to a fully realized, compelling manuscript.
The Three Supercategories: Character, Plot, and Setting
While each supercategory serves a distinct purpose, they are deeply interconnected, working together to elevate your story. Let’s briefly explore each one:
1. Character Elements
Your characters are the beating heart of your story. Whether it’s the protagonist’s Point of View, their goals, or the stakes of their journey, character elements focus on creating relatable, believable individuals that readers will root for. Characters with strong motivations and clear stakes keep readers emotionally invested.
2. Plot Elements
The plot forms the skeleton of your story. From crafting a gripping Story Arc to weaving Conflict and Tension into every scene, plot elements ensure your narrative progresses with purpose and keeps readers turning the page. Entry and Exit Hooks, for example, play a pivotal role in maintaining engagement at every chapter break.
3. Setting Elements
Far more than just background scenery, your setting shapes the atmosphere and mood of your story. Elements like Weather, Emotional Impact, and the use of the Five Senses can immerse readers in your world and heighten their connection to the narrative.
Why Focus on Story Elements?
Evaluating your manuscript through the lens of these elements provides you with a detailed, 30,000-foot view of your story. This process helps you pinpoint areas for improvement while enhancing the overall cohesiveness of your narrative. The result? A stronger, more polished manuscript that resonates with your audience.
What to Expect from This Series
In each post of this series, we’ll dive deep into one or more of Fictionary’s 38 Story Elements. You’ll learn actionable tips and techniques to strengthen your scenes and characters, fine-tune your plot, and enrich your settings. Whether it’s creating high-stakes conflict or choosing sensory details that evoke emotion, each post will leave you with tools to elevate your craft.
Let’s Get Started
Are you ready to take your writing to the next level? Stay tuned for my next post, where I’ll begin with Character Elements, starting with the essential Point of View Character. Together, I’ll uncover how to make your characters leap off the page and into the hearts of your readers.
Here at “The Pencil’s Edge,” I believe that every story deserves to shine. With Fictionary’s 38 Story Elements as our guide, I’ll unlock the secrets to creating stories readers can’t put down. So grab your notebooks, fire up your imagination, and let’s start crafting literary magic!
The Pencil-Driven Life 