Crafting the Perfect Beach Read: A Recipe for Sun, Sand, and Stories
|
Listen to this article
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
One of the most rewarding aspects of writing is creating stories that transport readers to different places, allowing them to lose themselves in a world of vibrant characters. This becomes especially important when crafting the perfect beach read, a novel to accompany its reader on sun-soaked vacations and lazy afternoons by the water. But what goes into creating a beach read that people will enjoy spending time with?
A Captivating Setting
The backdrop of a beach read is paramount in setting the tone for the entire story. Whether it’s an idyllic seaside town, an exotic tropical island, or a bustling coastal city, the setting should evoke a sense of escapism and enchantment. It’s important that readers can imagine themselves strolling along the shore or lounging by the pool, feeling the sun on their skin and the sand between their toes.
Rebuilding Alexandra Small draws readers into Alexandra’s Brighton as she navigates the challenges of life after losing her job, her husband, and her self-esteem.
Engaging Characters
The characters that populate a beach read should be relatable, intriguing, and capable of keeping readers hooked. Crafting a diverse cast of characters with distinct personalities, dreams, and challenges adds depth and realism to the story. Readers should be able to identify with their struggles, laugh at their quirks, and root for their successes.
Alexandra Small is, I hope, a relatable but flawed protagonist who is both endearing and infuriating at times. The novel also features a diverse cast of secondary characters who add depth, humour, and heart to the story.
A Compelling Plot
Whether it’s a sweeping romance, a thrilling mystery, or a heartwarming tale of friendship, the story should be fast-paced and keep readers turning the pages. This doesn’t mean the novel needs to be action-packed, but there should be enough twists and turns to keep the reader engaged and curious about what will happen next.
Rebuilding Alexandra Small follows Alexandra’s emotional journey as she faces the consequences of her actions, learns to accept her past, and begins to rebuild her life.
A Touch of Romance
So this is my thing – rom with com. While not every beach read needs to be a full-fledged romance novel, a little romance adds a layer of excitement and allure to the story. A passionate love affair, an unexpected flirtation, or even a complicated love triangle can keep readers invested in the characters and their emotional journeys.
Emotional Resonance
A great beach read should make readers feel something, whether it’s laughter, tears, or a warm sense of nostalgia. Authors create an emotional connection by exploring universal themes such as love, loss, friendship, and self-discovery. Hopefully, you’ll laugh, cry, and cheer for Alexandra as she confronts her past and embarks on a new beginning. Spoiler alert: The conclusion leaves you – I hope – with a sense of closure.
A Satisfying Conclusion
After spending hours immersed in a world of captivating characters and compelling narratives, readers deserve a satisfying conclusion to their literary journey. A well-crafted ending should tie up loose ends, resolve conflicts, and leave the reader with closure, knowing they’ve experienced a complete and fulfilling story.
And for a limited period, the ebook is just 99p/c in almost any online bookstore.
