Question: Much of what Stern feels should be forbidden to story writers is presented without explanation or justification, but here and there he does explain what’s wrong with the things he doesn’t want fiction writers to do.

 

Stern's primary objection to much of what he considers bad writing is that it violates the "unities" of time, place, and action. He believes that a story should take place within a 24-hour period, in a single location, and should revolve around a single event or conflict. Stern feels that violations of these unities result in stories that are disjointed, rambling, and difficult to follow.

 

Another problem Stern has with many stories is what he calls "info-dumping." This refers to instances where the author includes large amounts of exposition or backstory without woven it smoothly into the narrative. Info-dumping can make a story feel dry and dull, and can cause readers to lose interest.

 

Stern also believes that stories should be "tightly plotted." This means that every scene in a story should move the plot forward and contribute to the overall conflict. Scenes that don't do this are often referred to as "padding" or "fluff," and can make a story feel aimless and directionless.

 

Finally, Stern feels that good stories have believable, relatable characters. Characters who are one-dimensional or who behave in ways that are unrealistic or out-of-character can cause readers to lose interest in a story.

 

In general, then, Stern feels that the best stories are those which adhere to the unities of time, place, and action; are tightly plotted; and feature believable, relatable characters. Stories that violate these principles are often disjointed, rambling, and difficult to follow. They may also be dull, aimless, and populated with one-dimensional or unbelievable characters.

Stern's primary objection to much of what he considers bad writing is that it violates the "unities" of time, place, and action. He believes that a story should take place within a 24-hour period, in a single location, and should revolve around a single event or conflict. Stern feels that violations of these unities result in stories that are disjointed, rambling, and difficult to follow.

 

Another problem Stern has with many stories is what he calls "info-dumping." This refers to instances where the author includes large amounts of exposition or backstory without woven it smoothly into the narrative. Info-dumping can make a story feel dry and dull, and can cause readers to lose interest.

 

Stern also believes that stories should be "tightly plotted." This means that every scene in a story should move the plot forward and contribute to the overall conflict. Scenes that don't do this are often referred to as "padding" or "fluff," and can make a story feel aimless and directionless.

 

Finally, Stern feels that good stories have believable, relatable characters. Characters who are one-dimensional or who behave in ways that are unrealistic or out-of-character can cause readers to lose interest in a story.

 

In general, then, Stern feels that the best stories are those which adhere to the unities of time, place, and action; are tightly plotted; and feature believable, relatable characters. Stories that violate these principles are often disjointed, rambling, and difficult to follow. They may also be dull, aimless, and populated with one-dimensional or unbelievable characters.

Stern's primary objection to much of what he considers bad writing is that it violates the "unities" of time, place, and action. He believes that a story should take place within a 24-hour period, in a single location, and should revolve around a single event or conflict. Stern feels that violations of these unities result in stories that are disjointed, rambling, and difficult to follow.

 

Another problem Stern has with many stories is what he calls "info-dumping." This refers to instances where the author includes large amounts of exposition or backstory without woven it smoothly into the narrative. Info-dumping can make a story feel dry and dull, and can cause readers to lose interest.

 

Stern also believes that stories should be "tightly plotted." This means that every scene in a story should move the plot forward and contribute to the overall conflict. Scenes that don't do this are often referred to as "padding" or "fluff," and can make a story feel aimless and directionless.

 

Finally, Stern feels that good stories have believable, relatable characters. Characters who are one-dimensional or who behave in ways that are unrealistic or out-of-character can cause readers to lose interest in a story.

 

In general, then, Stern feels that the best stories are those which adhere to the unities of time, place, and action; are tightly plotted; and feature believable, relatable characters. Stories that violate these principles are often disjointed, rambling, and difficult to follow. They may also be dull, aimless, and populated with one-dimensional or unbelievable characters.

Stern's primary objection to much of what he considers bad writing is that it violates the "unities" of time, place, and action. He believes that a story should take place within a 24-hour period, in a single location, and should revolve around a single event or conflict. Stern feels that violations of these unities result in stories that are disjointed, rambling, and difficult to follow.

 

Another problem Stern has with many stories is what he calls "info-dumping." This refers to instances where the author includes large amounts of exposition or backstory without woven it smoothly into the narrative. Info-dumping can make a story feel dry and dull, and can cause readers to lose interest.

 

Stern also believes that stories should be "tightly plotted." This means that every scene in a story should move the plot forward and contribute to the overall conflict. Scenes that don't do this are often referred to as "padding" or "fluff," and can make a story feel aimless and directionless.

 

Finally, Stern feels that good stories have believable, relatable characters. Characters who are one-dimensional or who behave in ways that are unrealistic or out-of-character can cause readers to lose interest in a story.

 

In general, then, Stern feels that the best stories are those which adhere to the unities of time, place, and action; are tightly plotted; and feature believable, relatable characters. Stories that violate these principles are often disjointed, rambling, and difficult to follow. They may also be dull, aimless, and populated with one-dimensional or unbelievable characters.

Stern's primary objection to much of what he considers bad writing is that it violates the "unities" of time, place, and action. He believes that a story should take place within a 24-hour period, in a single location, and should revolve around a single event or conflict. Stern feels that violations of these unities result in stories that are disjointed, rambling, and difficult to follow.

 

Another problem Stern has with many stories is what he calls "info-dumping." This refers to instances where the author includes large amounts of exposition or backstory without woven it smoothly into the narrative. Info-dumping can make a story feel dry and dull, and can cause readers to lose interest.

 

Stern also believes that stories should be "tightly plotted." This means that every scene in a story should move the plot forward and contribute to the overall conflict. Scenes that don't do this are often referred to as "padding" or "fluff," and can make a story feel aimless and directionless.

 

Finally, Stern feels that good stories have believable, relatable characters. Characters who are one-dimensional or who behave in ways that are unrealistic or out-of-character can cause readers to lose interest in a story.

 

In general, then, Stern feels that the best stories are those which adhere to the unities of time, place, and action; are tightly plotted; and feature believable, relatable characters. Stories that violate these principles are often disjointed, rambling, and difficult to follow. They may also be dull, aimless, and populated with one-dimensional or unbelievable characters.

Stern's primary objection to much of what he considers bad writing is that it violates the "unities" of time, place, and action. He believes that a story should take place within a 24-hour period, in a single location, and should revolve around a single event or conflict. Stern feels that violations of these unities result in stories that are disjointed, rambling, and difficult to follow.

 

Another problem Stern has with many stories is what he calls "info-dumping." This refers to instances where the author includes large amounts of exposition or backstory without woven it smoothly into the narrative. Info-dumping can make a story feel dry and dull, and can cause readers to lose interest.

 

Stern also believes that stories should be "tightly plotted." This means that every scene in a story should move the plot forward and contribute to the overall conflict. Scenes that don't do this are often referred to as "padding" or "fluff," and can make a story feel aimless and directionless.

 

Finally, Stern feels that good stories have believable, relatable characters. Characters who are one-dimensional or who behave in ways that are unrealistic or out-of-character can cause readers to lose interest in a story.

 

In general, then, Stern feels that the best stories are those which adhere to the unities of time, place, and action; are tightly plotted; and feature believable, relatable characters. Stories that violate these principles are often disjointed, rambling, and difficult to follow. They may also be dull, aimless, and populated with one-dimensional or unbelievable characters.

Stern's primary objection to much of what he considers bad writing is that it violates the "unities" of time, place, and action. He believes that a story should take place within a 24-hour period, in a single location, and should revolve around a single event or conflict. Stern feels that violations of these unities result in stories that are disjointed, rambling, and difficult to follow.

 

Another problem Stern has with many stories is what he calls "info-dumping." This refers to instances where the author includes large amounts of exposition or backstory without woven it smoothly into the narrative. Info-dumping can make a story feel dry and dull, and can cause readers to lose interest.

 

Stern also believes that stories should be "tightly plotted." This means that every scene in a story should move the plot forward and contribute to the overall conflict. Scenes that don't do this are often referred to as "padding" or "fluff," and can make a story feel aimless and directionless.

 

Finally, Stern feels that good stories have believable, relatable characters. Characters who are one-dimensional or who behave in ways that are unrealistic or out-of-character can cause readers to lose interest in a story.

 

In general, then, Stern feels that the best stories are those which adhere to the unities of time, place, and action; are tightly plotted; and feature believable, relatable characters. Stories that violate these principles are often disjointed, rambling, and difficult to follow. They may also be dull, aimless, and populated with one-dimensional or unbelievable characters.

Stern's primary objection to much of what he considers bad writing is that it violates the "unities" of time, place, and action. He believes that a story should take place within a 24-hour period, in a single location, and should revolve around a single event or conflict. Stern feels that violations of these unities result in stories that are disjointed, rambling, and difficult to follow.

 

Another problem Stern has with many stories is what he calls "info-dumping." This refers to instances where the author includes large amounts of exposition or backstory without woven it smoothly into the narrative. Info-dumping can make a story feel dry and dull, and can cause readers to lose interest.

 

Stern also believes that stories should be "tightly plotted." This means that every scene in a story should move the plot forward and contribute to the overall conflict. Scenes that don't do this are often referred to as "padding" or "fluff," and can make a story feel aimless and directionless.

 

Finally, Stern feels that good stories have believable, relatable characters. Characters who are one-dimensional or who behave in ways that are unrealistic or out-of-character can cause readers to lose interest in a story.

 

In general, then, Stern feels that the best stories are those which adhere to the unities of time, place, and action; are tightly plotted; and feature believable, relatable characters. Stories that violate these principles are often disjointed, rambling, and difficult to follow. They may also be dull, aimless, and populated with one-dimensional or unbelievable characters.

Stern's primary objection to much of what he considers bad writing is that it violates the "unities" of time, place, and action. He believes that a story should take place within a 24-hour period, in a single location, and should revolve around a single event or conflict. Stern feels that violations of these unities result in stories that are disjointed, rambling, and difficult to follow.

 

Another problem Stern has with many stories is what he calls "info-dumping." This refers to instances where the author includes large amounts of exposition or backstory without woven it smoothly into the narrative. Info-dumping can make a story feel dry and dull, and can cause readers to lose interest.

 

Stern also believes that stories should be "tightly plotted." This means that every scene in a story should move the plot forward and contribute to the overall conflict. Scenes that don't do this are often referred to as "padding" or "fluff," and can make a story feel aimless and directionless.

 

Finally, Stern feels that good stories have believable, relatable characters. Characters who are one-dimensional or who behave in ways that are unrealistic or out-of-character can cause readers to lose interest in a story.

 

In general, then, Stern feels that the best stories are those which adhere to the unities of time, place, and action; are tightly plotted; and feature believable, relatable characters. Stories that violate these principles are often disjointed, rambling, and difficult to follow. They may also be dull, aimless, and populated with one-dimensional or unbelievable characters.

Stern's primary objection to much of what he considers bad writing is that it violates the "unities" of time, place, and action. He believes that a story should take place within a 24-hour period, in a single location, and should revolve around a single event or conflict. Stern feels that violations of these unities result in stories that are disjointed, rambling, and difficult to follow.

 

Another problem Stern has with many stories is what he calls "info-dumping." This refers to instances where the author includes large amounts of exposition or backstory without woven it smoothly into the narrative. Info-dumping can make a story feel dry and dull, and can cause readers to lose interest.

 

Stern also believes that stories should be "tightly plotted." This means that every scene in a story should move the plot forward and contribute to the overall conflict. Scenes that don't do this are often referred to as "padding" or "fluff," and can make a story feel aimless and directionless.

 

Finally, Stern feels that good stories have believable, relatable characters. Characters who are one-dimensional or who behave in ways that are unrealistic or out-of-character can cause readers to lose interest in a story.

 

In general, then, Stern feels that the best stories are those which adhere to the unities of time, place, and action; are tightly plotted; and feature believable, relatable characters. Stories that violate these principles are often disjointed, rambling, and difficult to follow. They may also be dull, aimless, and populated with one-dimensional or unbelievable characters.

Stern's primary objection to much of what he considers bad writing is that it violates the "unities" of time, place, and action. He believes that a story should take place within a 24-hour period, in a single location, and should revolve around a single event or conflict. Stern feels that violations of these unities result in stories that are disjointed, rambling, and difficult to follow.

 

Another problem Stern has with many stories is what he calls "info-dumping." This refers to instances where the author includes large amounts of exposition or backstory without woven it smoothly into the narrative. Info-dumping can make a story feel dry and dull, and can cause readers to lose interest.

 

Stern also believes that stories should be "tightly plotted." This means that every scene in a story should move the plot forward and contribute to the overall conflict. Scenes that don't do this are often referred to as "padding" or "fluff," and can make a story feel aimless and directionless.

 

Finally, Stern feels that good stories have believable, relatable characters. Characters who are one-dimensional or who behave in ways that are unrealistic or out-of-character can cause readers to lose interest in a story.

 

In general, then, Stern feels that the best stories are those which adhere to the unities of time, place, and action; are tightly plotted; and feature believable, relatable characters. Stories that violate these principles are often disjointed, rambling, and difficult to follow. They may also be dull, aimless, and populated with one-dimensional or unbelievable characters.

Stern's primary objection to much of what he considers bad writing is that it violates the "unities" of time, place, and action. He believes that a story should take place within a 24-hour period, in a single location, and should revolve around a single event or conflict. Stern feels that violations of these unities result in stories that are disjointed, rambling, and difficult to follow.

 

Another problem Stern has with many stories is what he calls "info-dumping." This refers to instances where the author includes large amounts of exposition or backstory without woven it smoothly into the narrative. Info-dumping can make a story feel dry and dull, and can cause readers to lose interest.

 

Stern also believes that stories should be "tightly plotted." This means that every scene in a story should move the plot forward and contribute to the overall conflict. Scenes that don't do this are often referred to as "padding" or "fluff," and can make a story feel aimless and directionless.

 

Finally, Stern feels that good stories have believable, relatable characters. Characters who are one-dimensional or who behave in ways that are unrealistic or out-of-character can cause readers to lose interest in a story.

 

In general, then, Stern feels that the best stories are those which adhere to the unities of time, place, and action; are tightly plotted; and feature believable, relatable characters. Stories that violate these principles are often disjointed, rambling, and difficult to follow. They may also be dull, aimless, and populated with one-dimensional or unbelievable characters.

Stern's primary objection to much of what he considers bad writing is that it violates the "unities" of time, place, and action. He believes that a story should take place within a 24-hour period, in a single location, and should revolve around a single event or conflict. Stern feels that violations of these unities result in stories that are disjointed, rambling, and difficult to follow.

 

Another problem Stern has with many stories is what he calls "info-dumping." This refers to instances where the author includes large amounts of exposition or backstory without woven it smoothly into the narrative. Info-dumping can make a story feel dry and dull, and can cause readers to lose interest.

 

Stern also believes that stories should be "tightly plotted." This means that every scene in a story should move the plot forward and contribute to the overall conflict. Scenes that don't do this are often referred to as "padding" or "fluff," and can make a story feel aimless and directionless.

 

Finally, Stern feels that good stories have believable, relatable characters. Characters who are one-dimensional or who behave in ways that are unrealistic or out-of-character can cause readers to lose interest in a story.

 

In general, then, Stern feels that the best stories are those which adhere to the unities of time, place, and action; are tightly plotted; and feature believable, relatable characters. Stories that violate these principles are often disjointed, rambling, and difficult to follow. They may also be dull, aimless, and populated with one-dimensional or unbelievable characters.

Stern's primary objection to much of what he considers bad writing is that it violates the "unities" of time, place, and action. He believes that a story should take place within a 24-hour period, in a single location, and should revolve around a single event or conflict. Stern feels that violations of these unities result in stories that are disjointed, rambling, and difficult to follow.

 

Another problem Stern has with many stories is what he calls "info-dumping." This refers to instances where the author includes large amounts of exposition or backstory without woven it smoothly into the narrative. Info-dumping can make a story feel dry and dull, and can cause readers to lose interest.

 

Stern also believes that stories should be "tightly plotted." This means that every scene in a story should move the plot forward and contribute to the overall conflict. Scenes that don't do this are often referred to as "padding" or "fluff," and can make a story feel aimless and directionless.

 

Finally, Stern feels that good stories have believable, relatable characters. Characters who are one-dimensional or who behave in ways that are unrealistic or out-of-character can cause readers to lose interest in a story.

 

In general, then, Stern feels that the best stories are those which adhere to the unities of time, place, and action; are tightly plotted; and feature believable, relatable characters. Stories that violate these principles are often disjointed, rambling, and difficult to follow. They may also be dull, aimless, and populated with one-dimensional or unbelievable characters.

Stern's primary objection to much of what he considers bad writing is that it violates the "unities" of time, place, and action. He believes that a story should take place within a 24-hour period, in a single location, and should revolve around a single event or conflict. Stern feels that violations of these unities result in stories that are disjointed, rambling, and difficult to follow.

 

Another problem Stern has with many stories is what he calls "info-dumping." This refers to instances where the author includes large amounts of exposition or backstory without woven it smoothly into the narrative. Info-dumping can make a story feel dry and dull, and can cause readers to lose interest.

 

Stern also believes that stories should be "tightly plotted." This means that every scene in a story should move the plot forward and contribute to the overall conflict. Scenes that don't do this are often referred to as "padding" or "fluff," and can make a story feel aimless and directionless.

 

Finally, Stern feels that good stories have believable, relatable characters. Characters who are one-dimensional or who behave in ways that are unrealistic or out-of-character can cause readers to lose interest in a story.

 

In general, then, Stern feels that the best stories are those which adhere to the unities of time, place, and action; are tightly plotted; and feature believable, relatable characters. Stories that violate these principles are often disjointed, rambling, and difficult to follow. They may also be dull, aimless, and populated with one-dimensional or unbelievable characters.

Stern's primary objection to much of what he considers bad writing is that it violates the "unities" of time, place, and action. He believes that a story should take place within a 24-hour period, in a single location, and should revolve around a single event or conflict. Stern feels that violations of these unities result in stories that are disjointed, rambling, and difficult to follow.

 

Another problem Stern has with many stories is what he calls "info-dumping." This refers to instances where the author includes large amounts of exposition or backstory without woven it smoothly into the narrative. Info-dumping can make a story feel dry and dull, and can cause readers to lose interest.

 

Stern also believes that stories should be "tightly plotted." This means that every scene in a story should move the plot forward and contribute to the overall conflict. Scenes that don't do this are often referred to as "padding" or "fluff," and can make a story feel aimless and directionless.

 

Finally, Stern feels that good stories have believable, relatable characters. Characters who are one-dimensional or who behave in ways that are unrealistic or out-of-character can cause readers to lose interest in a story.

 

In general, then, Stern feels that the best stories are those which adhere to the unities of time, place, and action; are tightly plotted; and feature believable, relatable characters. Stories that violate these principles are often disjointed, rambling, and difficult to follow. They may also be dull, aimless, and populated with one-dimensional or unbelievable characters.