Feedback on What Makes a Good Story

Community Episode Fan Community
1

Hi guys! I’m writing a story at the moment, and I’ve seen some interesting topics about what makes you want to finish/continue a story. I’d like for you guys to give me some input about how you feel!
You can answer any of the questions below, or just tell me what you think!

:relaxed: Thanks so much!!

1. What turns you away from a story?
1a. Elaborate on some of your pet peeves about a story, I’d love to hear it!

2. What genre do you prefer, why?

3. For someone who is just starting to write on Episode, what tips would you give them?
3a. What would you tell someone who is just starting to write a story NOT to do?

4. What genre do you feel is overused?
4a. What genre would you love to see more of??

5. How do you feel about the use of overlays and special effects?

6. Does the cover of a story depend on whether you read it or not?

7. Does seeing authors recommend stories they enjoy reading influence you in any way? How?
7a. Would you suggest promoting stories on social media? Why or why not??

Thanks for sharing your opinion with me, and others who may read this!! :raising_hand_woman:t5:

2 Likes
2
  • Not getting right to the story
  • telling us about your characters instead of showing who they are through dialogue, action, etc
  • characters falling in love as soon as they meet/in first chapter with no build up
  • not enough content in first chapters
  • gangs
  • bad boys

  1. I’ll read from any genre as long as the story sounds interesting

Read the guides and get help on the forums. Write what you want to write.
Read books on grammar.
Don’t rush to publish.
Don’t feel you need to recycle overdone plots. I promise you, we’re getting tired of them.

  1. Romance even if it’s not strictly a romance story.
    I just think we need more originality in some genres. Less werewolves and vampires in fantasy. Fewer bad boys and gangs etc

  2. They can enhance a story but you shouldn’t rely solely on them to tell your story.

  3. Not really.

  4. Yes, that’s how I get most of my recommendations. Also yes, episode is saturated with stories so social media can help put your story out there.

3 Likes
3

Thanks for your input. I really appreciate it. :smile:

2 Likes
4

You’re welcome :heart:

5

A good ending, it can be one of the most cliched plots ever, but still has to leave me saying “Oh damn it, I didn’t see that coming”.

1 Like
6

What turns you away from a story?
A big turn off for me in a story is when the grammar is dreadful, (grammar is important!)
Also When the plot is predictable and when the characters can’t stick up for themselves.

what are my pet peeves on a story?

When the writer/ story portrays a boring main character that absolutely has no personality at all. Or when the plot is very confusing…

Furthermore I just want to get this outta the way, when there’s Too much narration
Don’t get me wrong I don’t mind narration but when it get’s to the point where I have to skip it, it bores me so much. You need to show the story to the audience not telling it most of the time

what genre do you prefer?
I prefer the comedy genre because it’s funny and relatable and it isn’t filled with too much Romance

for someone who is just starting to write on episode, what advice would you give them?

Even thought they can be boring as hell, read the guidelines! it helps a lot I’ve learnt so much things off the episode guidelines or watch YouTube tutorials on how to start out a story perfectly.

what would you tell someone who is just starting to write a story NOT to do?

Well for starters don’t rush your story, because I’ve read many authors who rush their story and the story doesn’t come out as great because they want to get reads on their story straight away. Writing takes time , practice makes perfect, it will make a huge difference!

some of y’all are going to hate me for this but hear me out Secondly this is just my personal opinion but don’t write a story with a cliche/overused plot such as gangs or bad boys etc, if you REALLY want to write about that go ahead but all I’m saying is don’t write a cliche story with a predictable plot because what’s the point of reading a story if I can tell what’s going to happen?

what genre do you feel like it’s over used?

Romance, 99% of the episode stories on episode is romance hands down! Lmao.

what genre would you love to see more of?

I feel like the horror,and fantasy genre section is really underrated so I would love to see more of those.

How do you feel about the use of overlays and special effects?

I love the use of overlays and special effects I feel like it makes stories more professional, Overlays are a yes for me.

Does the cover of a story depend on whether you read it or not?

Honestly it doesn’t matter to me if the description of the story really gets me intrigued then I would read it.

Would you suggest promoting stories on social media? Why or why not??

I would suggest promoting stories on social media because there are a lot of unknown and underrated authors that need to get their stories out there, y’know?

2 Likes
7

I love good endings. Especially sad endings, since it makes me think about what the main character did, y’know? It just sticks to me. Thanks for adding your opinion to this discussion though, I appreciate it. :slightly_smiling_face:

1 Like
8

Especially when they fade it out, I don’t know why, but that gets to me. Like watching your favourite play and the curtain close. Joseph Evan’s does it best. :heart:

10

Right! I really liked the Ember Effect too. It’s been a while since I’ve finished it, but I love it.

2 Likes
11

1.) Bad grammar, dialogue that is not in context, really bad directing, too much customization, no music or sound, gem choices, too many choices that affect the story, cliche plot with bland characters, high school stories
2.) i prefer action but i like reading all genres
3.)write for yourself not for anyone else because reads don’t matter your story does.
3a.) don’t use bad spelling and learn how to get comfortable with the portal
4.) romance is overused
4a. I wanna see more action stories without gangs and mafias
5.) overlays and special effects are always a bonus
6.) yes cover matters it doesn’t have to be a masterpiece but just alluring
7.) No, no one can influence what stories I do and don’t like
7a.) idc about this tbh

12

Thanks for your input I appreciate it. :grin:

1 Like
14

I’ll probably reply later, but I’m really intrigued myself to see what people say. Getting feedback on what works and what doesn’t is very helpful.

15

1. What turns you away from a story?
Before even reading it, if the story description has spelling errors or grammar mistakes, I get turned off.
And if the first few scenes have characters popping into the scene one by one.
Also, if I can tell it’s been made with the mobile creator.
1a. Elaborate on some of your pet peeves about a story, I’d love to hear it!
Ok, my number one pet peeve is author notes. Especially at the beginning of the story, and if the author is apologizing for it being “bad” or something along those lines. It’s not enough to make me stop reading, but it really annoys me.
2. What genre do you prefer, why?
Comedy, romance and drama. Sometimes Mystery, but it has to be done really well. The other genre’s I will read, but it’s not my first pick. I read those genre’s if an author I like has done something there, or if I’m going off someone else’s recommendations.
3. For someone who is just starting to write on Episode, what tips would you give them?
Get beta testers before you publish - they’ll be able to see mistakes you might have missed.
Make sure your cover looks great. Especially if you’re a new author and don’t have an audience yet, because the cover will help you get readers.

3a. What would you tell someone who is just starting to write a story NOT to do?
Don’t publish as soon as you’ve finished 3 episodes! People get really eager to publish as soon as they can, but I say wait a bit! Make sure you test your story. Maybe write ahead some more so you don’t feel pressured by readers or so you don’t run into writer’s block and end up putting it on hold.

4. What genre do you feel is overused?
At the moment, I feel like it’s fantasy because it was the most recent contest.
But in general, I don’t think any one genre is overused, I just think certain cliches are overused within each genre.

4a. What genre would you love to see more of??
Probably mystery. I really quite like mystery stories, but I don’t find too many good ones on Episode and if it’s not done good, I’m not invested in the mystery.

5. How do you feel about the use of overlays and special effects?
I like them. It can really add to the story in some cases. But tbh most of the time it makes me envious, because I really suck with overlays and it amazes me the people can do the things that they do while I struggle with one table, you know? :stuck_out_tongue_closed_eyes:

6. Does the cover of a story depend on whether you read it or not?
Not always, but it is definitely something that will draw me in. I do read stories with no covers too though, so…

7. Does seeing authors recommend stories they enjoy reading influence you in any way? How?
Um, not always. I do always have a nosey at people’s recommendations shelves on the app, but I’m not going to read something just because an author I like did. It still has to grab my interest.

7a. Would you suggest promoting stories on social media? Why or why not??
Yeah, if you’ve got it you may as well. It’s a good way to let people know about your work.

3 Likes
16

Can I ask a question about your pet peeve?

You said:

But does this only apply for Male MC’s? You don’t mind if a female MC is automatically straight?

18

As am I! I feel that as writers, we’re always looking to improve. Can’t wait to hear your thoughts!

19

Thanks for your input! I appreciate it.

2 Likes
20

Thanks for adding your opinion to this discussion. Appreciate it! :relaxed:

2 Likes
21

1. What turns you away from a story?
Poor grammar, no choices, lack of spot directing, and bad, choppy directing in general. I also will 100% stop reading a story if the first chapter is only customization.
1a. Elaborate on some of your pet peeves about a story, I’d love to hear it!
I HATE IT WHEN TOXIC RELATIONSHIPS ARE GLORIFIED. I see it all the time, especially in romance! I don’t want to say any titles, but I’ve read stories where the LI is constantly putting the MC down, telling her to shut up whenever they have an opinion about something, ect. It drives me up the wall because it’s defeats the whole purpose of being a romance. What’s romantic about onions in human form??? Especially when they verbally assault you every chance they can? I also really dislike insta love!
2. What genre do you prefer, why?
Even though I just sort of semi crapped on it, I do love a good romance story. I also enjoy the drama and fantasy section, as well as the underappreciated horror genre; there are all sorts of hidden gems!
3. For someone who is just starting to write on Episode, what tips would you give them?
Don’t get discouraged when it comes to coding! I know it’s daunting af to be a beginner, but practice definitely makes perfect. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, either! :sparkling_heart:
3a. What would you tell someone who is just starting to write a story NOT to do?
I’ll agree with @amberrose and say not to publish the moment you’re done with your third episode. Unless you’ve planned your story and know exactly what’s going to happen, just don’t. You never know what ideas you’ll get down the line that may not tie in with what’s going on in your first three eps!
4. What genre do you feel is overused?
I’m not sure. Maybe romance since that’s what all the featured stories are?
4a. What genre would you love to see more of??
Fantasy stories based in medieval times. I LIVE FOR THEM.
5. How do you feel about the use of overlays and special effects?
They fascinate me. I’m very basic when it comes to overlays and effects, so to see what people do with them is very inspiring! It makes me want to up my game. :sweat_smile:
6. Does the cover of a story depend on whether you read it or not?
100%. I know it’s bad to judge a book by its cover and all, but I can’t help that I’m a visual person lol!
7. Does seeing authors recommend stories they enjoy reading influence you in any way? How?
Yes. My view on it is that if I love the story they’ve written, then I’ll love the stories that they read. Idk if that makes any sense, but my theory has yet to be proven wrong.
7a. Would you suggest promoting stories on social media? Why or why not??
I can’t say since I haven’t published yet, but I would say absolutely!

2 Likes
22

Thanks for your input, Gaia! Can you please elaborate on the insta love part? I don’t know exactly what that means, my bad. :sweat_smile:

1 Like
23

No problem! Insta love = instant love. It’s where characters meet and are instantly infatuated with each other and “can’t live” without the other person. It can be done tastefully I suppose, but it’s super unrealistic imo :smile: I try to avoid writing it, let alone reading it.

1 Like