Advice on story-making

Sorry, I can't help you here.  I'm a novice just like you.  I might have more mileage as a novice than you, but I won't pretend I know any more about how to actually make stories than you do.  Making good stories is a combination of many, many things.  And my only advice is that you consult the experts: successful, professional writers, editors, and agents who have done well for themselves in the fields of Fantasy, Science Fiction, and beyond.

DEAN WESLEY SMITH
As both editor and author, can share opinions from both sides.  Married to fellow writer/editor Kristine Kathryn Rusch.  The blog is a great place to seek advice and ask questions.

ROBERT J. SAWYER
Hugo and Nebula winner.  He keeps his site stocked with informative opinions on both craft and business.  He also originated Sawyer's Clause, for the Rules, and recommends use of the Dark Courier font from HP; a small thing which can make a big difference.

DAMON KNIGHT: CREATING SHORT FICTION
A comprehensive and analytical guide to creating short fiction; whether you're brand new or have been working at it for many years.  Knight is a legend in SF and F and this book is a real eye-opener, if you've ever wondered what makes successful short fiction tick.

ORSON SCOTT CARD: HOW TO WRITE SF & F
Perhaps the most-cited modern tome on creating fantasy and science fiction.  Card also operates the Hatrack River web site and its associated forums, as well as a yearly writers "boot camp".

STEPHEN KING: ON WRITING
A marvelous book which is partially advice, and also partially a biography of perhaps the greatest living American fiction writer.  My copy has been read and re-read so many times, I think I will have to buy it again, lest the current one fall apart!

AL ZUCKERMAN: WRITING THE BLOCKBUSTER NOVEL
The essential guide to understanding how to formulate, plan, outline, plot, and create a top-notch fiction novel.  Applies across genres.  Endlessly readable.

J.A. KONRATH: THE NEWBIE'S GUIDE TO PUBLISHING
Over 700 pages of free advice from the successful thriller writer.  Easily digestible in blog-original gulps.  Humor laced with advice laced with hard-won wisdom.  It was easily the most engaging how-to on fiction I've read in many years.

SELF-EDITING FOR FICTION WRITERS
A comprehensive and illuminating "how to" for more advanced fiction writers who really need to get down in the dirt and learn how to objectively look at their prose.  One of the most eye-popping and practical writing help books I have read in a long, long time.

This is just the 'short list' and it will doubtlessly grow over time.  Again, the best advice always comes from the professionals.  If you're in the bookstore and you want to pick up a book on writing, consider the source: is the name on the book one that you recognize?  If not, double check who that person is.  If their only writing credit is having written a book on writing, well.... Just think about that for a minute.
 

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