How to write a good story?

Today, I was attending a virtual seminar. It was by a blind teacher called Dr. Ramesh Manwani. The beauty is that I just couldn’t figure out that he was blind. He was so confident and the stories he shared were so powerful and fascinating. I was mesmerized.

I thought what is it that makes a good story. Let me first share the story I heard and then let’s get to the ingredients of a good story:

Once, many years ago, in Persia, there lived a a Holy man called Abu bin adam. He was a man of deep faith and loved singing the songs of God. He would roam around the town sing songs and would help whoever he would find in need.

One day, when he was on his routine walk, he met the ? Angel of God.

Angel of God was holding a golden book and looked a bit in a hurry. Angel asked Abu, “Hi Abu, you know the town well, could you tell me where does Hamez, the tailor and Rafia, the carpenter live?”
Abu knew their houses very well. So he told the Angel of God.

But, since he was curious he also asked the Angel why he was looking for them.
Angel replied, “Actually God had made a list of all those people who love him the most. He has sent gifts for them”

Hearing this, Abu’s curiosity increased even further. He asked, “Could you please check if my name is there in the list?”

Angel checked but Abu’s name was not there. Abu felt a bit disappointed because he always thought he loved God a lot too.

Anyway the day went by. The next morning as Abu was getting ready to go out for his daily walk, he heard a knock at his door. When he opened the door, he saw the Angel of God there again.

He held a beautiful gift ? with him.
Abu asked who is this gift for?

Angel said this is a gift that God has sent for you.

Abu said but my name was not there in the list you checked yesterday.

Angel said, “Actually, God made a new list. This time he included the list of all those people who God loved the most. Your name topped the list.”

I’ll let you read and share how you liked the story. After that let’s look at the key things which made this story beautiful.

1. Characters – define the main characters well. In this case, Abu, Angel and even Hamez and Rafia.
2. Climax – Every story must have a villain or a climax or a turning point. In this one, it was when Abu’s name did not appear in the list.
3. Central message – the main message you want to convey. In this case, God loves those who love fellow human beings.

Is there anything else you think is required to make a great story?
Please let me know in the comments. Until next time, this is Mohit signing off.