What do you think are the most critical elements to have when writing an adventure novel? (plot, character description, setting, etc.)

ALSO --I am willing to proofread anyone's story that they are currently working on. Just send it to my email adress, which you can find on my profile. You would be surprised how much better your story can become by having someone else read it! th:

I like a good plot, but if the characters are too dull they can really drag down a good plot. Setting is not too important, as long as I can see myself there. Writing style is really key too because if the writing is not engaging and the action is not "playing" in my head while I'm reading then I won't finish the book.

Thanks for the feedback!! w:

Great characterization, A credible plot, A touch of surprise to the conventions of writing, An ending that does justice to what has been written. As many times I took english through twelve long years of education I got bored by the ninth grade and obviously my writing still includes fragmentary sentences, incomplete thought or lack of grammatical finesse. Go figure! But If you would like I would not mind an editor with my writings giordino13. w:

It's all about plot and description, so that the reader can visualize everything.

Ask a baker what the most important ingredient is for the bread...Ask an artist which color is most important in the painting...

There is no single element of a story that makes it work. A well-told story relies upon the concept of synergy; it will be greater than the sum of its parts. Every writer has his or her strengths. Some can invision a multi-tiered story, or vivid characters, or devious plots, or slam-bang action, or snappy dialogue. Some can turn a phrase, using all the colors of the English language so that the reader never gets bored with the prose. The true genius will manage all of the above--there aren't many of those, but that is the goal every writer should be reaching for.

Human nature is to play to your strengths; if you are good at a particular aspect of the creative process, you tend to focus exclusively on that. The problem with that is that you never improve on your weaknesses, and the amount of improvement you'll make on your strengths is negligible. So maybe the real question is: what part of writing do I think is least important? Figure that out, then start working on it.

Oh, and of course develop good critical skills. Your fellow writers won't benefit one bit from empty praise.

th: Well said! th:

I feel that strong, well described characters are as equally important to a good story as a well-written, believable plot that occurs in an interesting setting. But to me, the characters are the most important part. ;)