5 Tips to Endear Readers to Your Story

Writing a good story is all about connection. Connecting with your readers on some level, whether it's with a stellar plot, sympathetic characters, or even a spiritual message. There are times, though, at least with my writing, I've noticed there's something missing.

I have all the proper elements and a super detailed outline, but there's still that something missing.

If we want our characters to relate to our stories, we have to reach them on a real and relatable level. We don't want to just tell a story, we want to endear our readers to our story. We want to make them fall in love.

So if you already have a good plot. And you already have great characters, but you still want something extra to grab those readers and make them feel invested, here are five things you can add to your story--maybe not all at once--to help.

Add an animal
People can relate to animals, especially dogs or cats. But it can really be anything. This is a great way to show the softer side of your character, by having them talk to or love an animal. You can also use this for humor or extra conflict.

Add a child
Children are loveable, ornery, funny, trouble-makers, and more. All these things can add to a story and draw your reader in. It gives your characters someone else to interact with. Children in a story can help add tension, add elements of love and tenderness, vulnerability, or humor. They can also be used to help your main character see something about themselves they might not have otherwise seen.


Add a hobby
Think of who is reading your story and what kind of hobbies they can relate to, then give one of them to your main character. Readers will relate to it, and even though it might not be a big part of your story, it will interest your reader and give your character more dimension.

Add an object
This can come in many forms. Adding an object or memento your character carries around can help expand a story or their past. It can show their vulnerability. You can add humor by adding an object, like an old photograph of a mother or friend, for your character to talk to, vent to, to blame things on--whatever. This can add humor to the story, help reveal things about your character, and just add more dimension altogether.

Add an endearing characteristic
This is one we commonly hear about characters, and it's a good one! This really does make your character more relatable to a reader. It could be a habit, like always wearing a locket a loved one gave her, peering inside when she needs extra strength. It could be a funny quirk, like spouting off quotes that apply to certain situations because he loves literature. Anything that rounds out your character some and gives your reader a little more to like about your character.

Again, getting your reader to connect in some way is a big deal. If you're looking for something extra to encourage that relationship between reader and character, try some of these tips. Or, if you've already used any of these or others, I'd love to hear about them in the comments.



***photos from flickr
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Cindy is a Colorado native, living near the mountains with her husband and three beautiful daughters. She writes contemporary Christian romance, seeking to enrich lives with her stories of faith, love, and a touch of humor.

To learn more about Cindy, visit her at her personal blog, www.cindyrwilson.blogspot.comwww.cindyrwilson.blogspot.com