Welcome to the Helping Writers Become Authors podcast. I'm K.M. Weiland, and I am here to take you

deep with story theory, writing techniques, and the incredible wisdom of story. I believe story is the

greatest power on this earth, and that as writers, we carry the torch of wielding that power with responsibility, passion,

and skill. There is no such thing as just a story. Today, it is my honor and my purpose to help

you write your best story, astound the world, and maybe change your life.

Hello and welcome to Season 17, Episode 16 of Helping Writers Become Authors.

We've all experienced it.

A story that looks good on paper features big name characters or starts with an intriguing premise,

but somehow falls flat.

Maybe the characters feel hollow, the plot drifts without purpose, or the ending lands with

a thud.

But what actually makes a story bad? Are there pitfalls you can look out for that can save your story?

And more importantly, how can you avoid these mistakes when writing or editing?

Bad storytelling is one of those things you know it when you see it or rather you feel it.

Sometimes when you read or watch something that

isn't working, it can be hard to put a finger on what's gone wrong. And yet your gut knows,

your visceral reaction to the story may range from a mild sense of dissonance, confusion,

or even boredom, all the way up to outright irritation or even anger.

The good news is that as writers, the moments when you start feeling the ick are the best

possible teaching moments. They give you the opportunity to look deeper into your own experience

and examine why the story prompts this reaction.

Although the reasons can span the gamut and are often quite subjective and personal,

...