Well, for a good story, there's the aspect of pacing. It shouldn't be too slow or too fast. If it's too slow, the reader may get bored; if too fast, the story may seem rushed. Then there's the element of authenticity. The story should feel real, even if it's a fantasy. The emotions in the story need to be believable. And finally, there should be some sort of resolution. It doesn't have to be a happy ending, but it should tie up the loose ends of the plot.
To master the fundamentals of a good story, start by observing real life. Notice how people interact, what their motives are. This can help you create believable characters. Also, read a lot. See how different authors handle plot, setting, and conflict. For example, reading detective novels can teach you about building suspense.
First, you need a clear idea or theme. Then, build interesting characters and a compelling plot. Also, pay attention to the structure and pace of the story.
The fundamentals of fiction usually include elements like a compelling plot, well-developed characters, and a clear theme. These are the building blocks that make a story engaging and memorable.
A really accessible book is 'Make a Scene' by Jordan Rosenfeld. It focuses on scene building, which is a fundamental part of any story. It explains how to make each scene count, how to structure it, and how to transition between scenes in a way that makes the overall story flow well.