What is the "Recipe" for a successful novel's story line?

Question

Surely you'll have noticed that all successful Hollywood movies are constructed with the same, essential ingredients (you've got your hero, leading lady, official bad guy, etc.) and follow a certain pattern with their story line (starts with some kind of background story, then there's some type of key event, sexual content in a strategically placed spot along the lines for when things would otherwise get boring, I guess, you also get your gay character in there somewhere, and a little something for the kids, like some pet or cute person, etc.). My impression is that commercially successful novels do the same - and I would like to use that template for fun to write my own.
But where can I find out more about it? Does anybody know?
Thanks.

Answer 1

I believe what you are looking for is 'The Hero's Journey'. You want to do some research into works by Joseph Campbell and take a look at these sites:

http://www.mcli.dist.maricopa.edu/smc/journey/

http://www.yourheroicjourney.com/Journey.shtml

http://www.cerritos.edu/fquaas/resources/English102/hero.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heroes_journey

Good Luck!

Jen

Answer 2

That relies upon. plenty. i could say the Harry Potter sequence is extremely useful, in spite of the undeniable fact that this is somewhat no longer the superb high quality writing i've got ever examine. i think of a good tale has intensity to it. It makes you think of. The characters can signify diverse moods or factors yet they supplement one yet another in how the story is informed. And in the event that they do no longer supplement one yet another in the classic experience, they do so in discord. Like in song, they may be separated by using an octave or 2 or in paintings, on opposing aspects of the colour wheel. Writing and doing it nicely somewhat is an paintings form. the type you latest a tale is taken into consideration necessary besides. I recommend you're able to shop the readers desirous to renowned what takes place next, precise? demonstrate basically sufficient to enable the story flow on this is own. the story can not be too predictable in any different case there is not any longer plenty element in interpreting it in case you already comprehend it. you comprehend?

Answer 3

I believe you have to get them on the first two or three pages, or you have lost your whole audience. I enjoy all books that have a dog in them. Dean Koonz does that a lot. If you haven't already done so, I would suggest you take a writing course. I learned a lot in my Reading and Composition class. Best of luck to you. We sure need good authors.

Answer 4

Read a lot of Stephen King. The books are much better than the movies.

Answer 5

Murder mysteries are the best ones to go with, especially ones involving children, or teenagers. Also an unexplained cause of death will draw in an audience.

Answer 6

something tragic, start off with someone dying or something and have the story lead up to that point, answer the why question.

Answer 7

Make sure the story line is interesting. :)