Emotional Honesty Is the Key to a Good Story

The single most gut-wrenching thematic element in any story is self-sacrifice. We grieve all the more for our death if characters care deeply about each other, but were at odds and unable to put the relationship back to rights before it was torn apart forever. In eliciting any emotion, honesty is the single greatest factor in resonating with readers. As a reader, I'm most impressed with an author who creates flawed human heart on their sleeves that make me think, oh my goodness, she's writing about me.