Story types · Tip 70 of 82 · 4 min read
Pick the Right Kind of Story
Mystery, fantasy, funny or true? Choosing the kind of story first tells you what your reader is hoping for.
Every kind of story makes your reader a promise. A mystery promises a puzzle. A funny story promises laughs. A fantasy promises magic. Picking the kind of story before you start helps you keep that promise from the first line to the last.
What does each kind promise?
- Adventure: a journey, danger and a hero who has to be brave.
- Mystery: a puzzle, clues and a surprising answer at the end.
- Fantasy and fairy tale: magic, strange creatures and wishes that come with a catch.
- Funny story: silly problems that get sillier, and a lot of laughing.
- Science fiction: inventions, space or the future, and a big what if?
- Everyday life: real places and real feelings, like a first day or a lost tooth.
Start with a feeling
Not sure which to pick? Ask yourself how you want your reader to feel when they close the book. Excited? Spooked? Giggly? Cosy? The feeling points to the kind of story.
Okay 😐
Maya found a key in the garden.
Wow! 🤩
As a mystery: Maya found a key in the garden, and it had yesterday's date scratched into it. As a funny story: Maya found a key in the garden. The garden gnome cleared its throat. "Excuse me, that's mine."