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Question: What, in your opinion, holds the key to a great piece of writing!?
The plot!? Characters!? What do you think is a key item in writing a great piece!?Www@QuestionHome@Com


Best Answer - Chosen by Asker:
The ability to identify with the characters or something about them!. Their unpredictability, they do something that surprises you just when you think you've got them figured out!. The plot takes twists and turns!. But it must inevitably involve, either obviousor subtle, the battle between good and evil, on a personal and macro scale!. Finally, the people, places and things must be something that gives us hope and release, even if just for escape!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

Details!. Certain pieces can be all about plot; others can be character-driven!. But the good piece of writing will be loaded with essential details!. Rooms that people enter are described; characters are given back-stories; reactions to news and events are noted whether it's a raised eyebrow or an emotional collapse; the society the story takes place in is described!.

In other words, it's not money that's the root of all evil; it's the LOVE of money!. It's not that you don't care a rat's a**; you don't care a FLYING rat's a**!. Details, details, details!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

Whether the writing "sings!."

That can be done in many different ways--you can have something very complicated and beautifully, musically written, or you can have the short, sharp shocks of an action novel!.

The best example of an action novel that sings is William Goldman's _Marathon Man_: http://www!.randomhouse!.com/catalog/displ!.!.!.

That's as accomplished as anything Faulkner ever wrote!. Goldman is in complete control of what he's doing--and that's a great piece as well!.

Control of tone is the key that separates great work from the merely ordinary, in my opinion!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

ORIGINALITY and the ability to make me feel something!. For instance, I'm the type that judges books by its cover and its title!. If the title has the word "vampire" in it, I won't read it!. If the cover has a picture of a bunch of snobby-looking girls walking through the halls, it's lost my attention!.
If a book can make me laugh, cry, smile, or yell, it's a good book!. If it makes me fall asleep or think "this is soo not possible" it's a bad book!. Get what I'm saying!?
Good question, though :DWww@QuestionHome@Com

Well, I like a clever plot with memorable characters!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

I would say feelings would make the most important thing!. That and plot!.Www@QuestionHome@Com