There are many different methods to writing stories. You could outline, or write by the seat of your pants, not knowing where things are going. You can experience the adventure of writing in many different ways. However, there are three essential things that are important to consider whenever you write down a story. Whether you are, as George R.R. Martin put it, an “architect” writer or a “gardener” writer, these three are the most important things to remember when crafting your story.

1. Beginning

Every story needs to have a good beginning. Whether you have a hero as a protagonist, a villain, or even a non-human one, all stories need to start with a good beginning.

A good beginning needs to hook readers into your story, get them invested in your characters, and leave them wanting for more. There are many ways to do this; for example, having compelling, beautiful prose or dropping readers in the middle of the action. Just…don’t have your characters wake up and describe their morning routine. Or worse, describe themselves to the audience. There are times it’s done well, but it’s better for you to avoid these clichés as much as possible.

2. Ending

Of course, every good story needs a good ending too! Whether you wanted to depress your readers in your tragic novel or delight them in a hopeful short story, a good ending is crucial to getting your readers to the desired emotions.

How do you make a good ending? The best stories have endings that are unpredictable, yet not out of left field. To do this, leave breadcrumbs throughout your story, hinting at what the ending would be. Do not outright give them the whole ending though! Readers like a bit of unpredictability.

3. Middle

And last, if 25% of the story relies on the beginning, and 25% relies on the ending, then 50% of a story relies on the middle. How do you bridge the gap between Beginning and Ending? How do you keep your hooked readers for long enough to see the ending you want them to read?

The secret is of course conflict. Character wants something; character can’t get it because of obstacle. Character must work for it to achieve that something. It could be as grandiose as a knight seeking for fame in a grand fantasy, or as simple as a man wanting water in a metaphorical analogy.

Whatever it is, the formula is simple. Introduce the characters and their wants whilst hooking the reader in the beginning.

Show how the character gets what he wants (or doesn’t, be unpredictable!) through the ending.

And tell the story in the middle.