Hear what the Judges have to say about what it takes to win The Big Writer’s Prize

" Every story has potential, the small mundane ones, or the big grandiose tales. Its all about in how its written."

What Makes a Story Great

A great story is not defined simply by what happens, but by how deeply it makes us feel, think, and connect. Throughout history, the stories that have endured are those that combine compelling characters, meaningful conflict, emotional truth, and a sense of purpose. Whether it is a fantasy epic, a mystery, or a simple coming-of-age tale, the same fundamental elements often determine whether a story becomes memorable.

First and foremost, great stories are driven by strong characters. Readers do not just follow events—they follow people. A well-written protagonist feels human, even if they are not human at all. They have desires, fears, flaws, and contradictions. What makes them compelling is not perfection, but struggle. When characters face difficult choices or internal conflicts, readers become invested because they recognize parts of themselves in those struggles.

Equally important is conflict. Without conflict, there is no story, only description. Conflict gives a story movement and tension. It can be external, such as a battle against an enemy, society, or nature, or internal, such as fear, doubt, or guilt. The best stories often combine both. Conflict forces characters to change, and change is what gives a story meaning. A character who ends a story exactly as they began rarely leaves a lasting impression.

Another essential ingredient is emotional authenticity. Even in the most fantastical settings, emotions must feel real. Readers may not relate to slaying dragons or traveling through time, but they understand loss, hope, love, jealousy, and courage. When a story captures these universal emotions honestly, it becomes powerful. This is why stories set in imaginary worlds can still feel more real than everyday life.

Structure and pacing also contribute to a story’s greatness. A strong beginning draws the reader in with a question or mystery. The middle develops the stakes and deepens the conflict. The ending provides resolution, not necessarily by making everything perfect, but by delivering emotional or thematic closure. A satisfying ending feels both surprising and inevitable, as if it could not have happened any other way.

Finally, a great story usually says something meaningful about life. This does not mean it must preach a moral lesson, but it should explore an idea, a truth, or a question. Stories help us understand ourselves and others. They allow us to experience lives we have never lived and perspectives we may never encounter otherwise.

In the end, what makes a story great is its ability to make us care. When readers care about what happens, why and who it happens to. The story makes you read and keep on reading.

" It matters most that the readers are absolutely engaged, that they want to keep on reading— that the story is vivid and the readers and can see it in their mind."

Jenny Garth, 2024 Big Writers Judge