“IT’S GIVING…”

 How to Make Sure Your Story Doesn’t Bomb

 

Have you ever finished reading a story or watching a movie and thought, “Wow, It’s giving but not in the best way instead of  everything it needed to give.” That’s the sweet spot every storyteller wants to hit. Whether penning a novel, drafting a screenplay, or crafting a short story, ensuring your story resonates is both an art and a science. Here’s how to ensure your story doesn’t bomb and leave readers or viewers saying, “It’s giving!”

 

1. Nail the Hook

 

Your story should engage your audience from the very first line. The opening isn’t just an introduction; it’s an invitation. Your beginning sets the tone and stakes, whether it’s a shocking statement, an intriguing question, or an emotional moment.

 

Pro Tip: Start with conflict, mystery, or action. Instead of introducing your character’s backstory, throw them into a situation that immediately challenges them.

 

2. Develop Relatable, Dynamic Characters

No matter how intricate your plot is, if your characters fall flat, your story will, too. Readers want characters who feel real, with strengths, flaws, and motivations that drive the narrative forward.

 

Think about this:

            •           What does your character want?

            •           What’s stopping them from getting it?

            •           How do they change throughout the story?

 

The more your audience can see themselves—or someone they know—in your characters, the more invested they’ll be.

 

3. Keep the Plot Tight

 

Avoid meandering. Every scene should either develop your characters or advance the plot. Stories that bomb often lose their way because the stakes aren’t clear or too much fluff dilutes the impact.

 

Ask yourself:

            •           What’s at stake?

            •           Why should the audience care?

            •           Is every subplot necessary, or could one be cut without losing impact?

 

When your story has a clear throughline, it’s easier for your audience to stay engaged.

 

4. Use Conflict to Propel the Story Forward

 

At the heart of every compelling story is conflict. Conflict keeps the reader turning pages, Whether internal (a character wrestling with their fears or desires) or external (a ticking clock, a villain, or a societal obstacle).

 

Pro Tip: Layer your conflict. For instance, your protagonist might face a personal struggle while dealing with external challenges.

 

5. Master the Art of “Show, Don’t Tell”

 

The age-old writing advice still holds true: let your audience experience the story through actions, dialogue, and sensory details rather than exposition.

 

 

This technique immerses your audience, making your story feel alive and vivid.

 

6. Create Moments That Stick

 

People often remember stories not as a whole but in moments: the gasp-worthy plot twist, the tender exchange between characters, the scene that made them laugh out loud.

 

How to do it:

            •           Add emotional resonance to key scenes.

            •           Use vivid imagery that lingers in the mind.

            •           Surprise your audience without losing plausibility.

 

These “it’s giving” moments will make your story unforgettable.

 

7. Stick the Landing                                                                                                                                          

 

An unsatisfying ending can ruin an otherwise great story. Your ending should feel earned if you leave things neatly tied up or open-ended. Think of it as the payoff to everything you’ve set up.

 

Tips for a strong ending:

            •           Resolve the primary conflict in a way that’s surprising yet inevitable.

            •           Show how the characters have grown or changed.

            •           Leave your audience with a feeling—whether it’s hope, satisfaction, or even heartache.

 

In Conclusion, Make It Give

 

When someone says, “It’s giving…” about a story, they recognize its ability to entertain, engage, and evoke emotions. A compelling story doesn’t just meet expectations—it exceeds them, leaving audiences captivated long after the last word or scene.

 

So, hook them, keep them, and leave them wanting more. If you can do that, your story won’t just avoid bombing—it’ll give everything.