I would like to be primarily grammar and stuff (obv.) but I would like to, you know, get INTO the story. To be able to say things like, "Whoa, that is SO not something Bob would say." And to give suggestions. And to be reading for someone that has no problem with saying, "Um, excuse me? No. But, however, I DO like THIS suggestion..."

Catching plot holes. Seriously. You should have heard me through Pirates of the Carribean One. I practically figured out the whole third movie. (...How conceited is this supposed to be? :D) Also catching accidental repetition, which is a big thing that a word processor will definitley not get. Unless it is like, you know, part of some secret line of technology Bill Gates has up his sleeve. Which I wouldn't doubt.

Misplaced modifiers! Ah! I'm pretty sure those got me on the SATs a billion times.

Stories with characters that are REALISTIC. That have flaws, and don't always say the most witty, intelligent thing. Characters that say "like" and "um" a lot. Characters that make you like them even if you hate them. I love comedies, but not so much that it's like a Three Stooges film. Things that would actually happen. Seinfeld's "about nothing" had a point, you know.

Stories that are over-dramatic. Come on, guys. Have you BEEN to real life lately? People are NOT that ridiculous. Not unless one goes looking for drama, in which case I probably wouldn't want to read about her/him. Ridiculous situations is cheap humor (we should all know this from Shakespeare by now :3).

(Unless, of course, the drama/tradgedy/angst serves a PURPOSE, and is not over, like, a school dance or whatever. Or even if it is, in a realistic way.)

That is what makes a good story. Taking a completely invented situation, and making it so real that the reader thinks they are hearing a story from their best friend.

Fiction » Humor

Fiction » Romance

Fiction » Spiritual

Fiction » Young Adult

Romance

Humor

Parody