The W.I.S.E. Factor

What Do You Look for in the Library?

What Makes a Story Compelling?

Wonder

An Inviting World: We feel a part of the world in which our characters live. The best of stories offers us a vision of the dangers lurking around us, but also the possibilities of what might be.

Irony

An Unexpected Vision: We see the world through new eyes, learning to understand and value in different ways. Great stories challenge how we look at life itself.

Suspense

Decisive Action: The story sweeps us along. One event follows another in an elaborate series of cause and effect. How do these events relate to each other?

Emotion

Engaging Characters: Great characterization draws us in. We feel with and for the characters. Their choices become ours as we share in their motivations, triumphs, and failures.