BG003: The Makings of Best Seller

What Makes a Best Seller?

At the heart of every best-selling book is a thrilling story that keeps readers on the edge of their seats, eager to turn the pages and discover what happens next. But it’s not just about excitement; readers crave a satisfying ending that leaves them feeling fulfilled. So, what ingredients make a book a page-turner?

The Character’s Battle Against Death

A captivating novel often centers on a character fighting against various forms of “death.” There are three main types:

1. Physical Death: This is the most straightforward. If the main character dies, the story is over. Many thrillers focus on a hero trying to survive against dangerous foes. For instance, in the Jonathan Grave series by John Gilstrap, the protagonist must succeed in dangerous missions to save lives.

2.Professional Death: Here, the stakes involve the character’s career. If they fail a crucial case, their job—and identity—might be at risk. Michael Connelly’s Harry Bosch detective novels illustrate this well. Bosch is driven to solve cases not just for justice but to keep his career as a detective alive.

3. Psychological Death: This form of death is about losing one’s sense of self or purpose. For example, in *The Catcher in the Rye*, Holden Caulfield faces a psychological crisis. If he can’t find authenticity, he risks losing himself entirely.

Understanding psychological death is essential because it adds deep emotional stakes to the story. In romances, for instance, if the lovers don’t end up together, their lives could feel incomplete, heightening the tension even when the outcome seems predictable.

When summarizing a book, the element of “death” should be clear. In Harry Bosch’s stories, the threat of professional death is always present, along with his personal growth, adding layers to his character.

As Lajos Egri states in The Art of Dramatic Writing:

 A weak character cannot carry the burden of protracted conflict in a play. He cannot support a play. We are forced, then, to discard such a character as a protagonist … the dramatist needs not only characters who are willing to put up a fight for their convictions. He needs characters who have the strength, the stamina, to carry this fight to its logical conclusion.

The Characters Strength of Will
A best-selling novel also showcases a character’s fight for survival through sheer willpower. The lead character should be proactive, facing challenges head-on rather than passively waiting for things to happen.

Take Scarlett O’Hara from *Gone with the Wind*. Initially, she’s not very engaging, but once she hears that her love interest is marrying someone else, she springs into action. Her determination to win him over drives the plot forward. Without her strength of will, the story would stall.

Similarly, in Stephen King’s *Rose Madder*, the protagonist, Rose, starts off as a victim of abuse. The story picks up when she finally finds the courage to escape her dangerous situation, highlighting how essential it is for characters to act decisively.

The Reader’s Connection to the Character

Another key element of best-selling fiction is the bond between readers and the main character. Readers want to care about the character’s journey, feeling invested in their struggles. Part of the joy of reading is escaping into someone else’s life, especially when they face challenges.

Most people think there is a big element of luck involved when a book breaks out big. But as the old maxim says, luck is where preparation meets opportunity

A successful novel takes readers on an emotional rollercoaster. It’s not just about delivering a message; it’s about making readers feel something. When readers get lost in a story—what’s known as the "fictive dream"—they’re more likely to stick around until the end.

In summary, the magic of a best-selling book lies in a character’s fight against various forms of death, their strength of will, and the emotional connection they build with readers. These elements combine to create a gripping narrative that keeps readers engaged from beginning to end.