On Writing: What Makes a Great Novel?

We've all read novels that left us stunned and amazed. The stories we return to again and again. But what makes them great? What makes them worthy of rereading (or buying ten copies and handing them out to friends and neighbors as I've done once or twice)?

I will be spending the next six weeks or so pondering this deep philosophical question, but my instincts point me to several key factors to start with:

1. Good writing/craft. A novel tells a story, and the writing must be of a caliber to effectively communicate that story to the reader, so that we can see, hear, and identify with the story.

2. A great story. Something that draws us in, makes us root for the hero, puts us in agony over the romance coming together. Something that stirs longing inside us for adventure, romance. That echoes the values we hold in our lives.

3. Amazing characters. A hero you can't get enough of. A villain you despise. Side characters that are both interesting and realistic.

Over the coming weeks, I will explore these three ideas deeper. Check back for more on Mondays.