10 Tips and 6 Elements of How To Write An Adventure Story

Choose a Captivating Premise

•  The Hook: Your premise is the initial spark that draws a reader in. Think of it like the trailer for a thrilling movie. It should be fascinating and let the readers crave.
• Examples: A lost map leading to a forgotten pirate’s treasure, a young explorer venturing into an uncharted jungle, or a group of unlikely heroes racing to stop an ancient artifact from destroying the world. Be as imaginative and daring as you like

Develop a Strong Protagonist

• More Than Strength: A great protagonist is about more than just muscles. They need flaws, vulnerabilities, hopes, and dreams. It’s these relatable qualities that make readers root for them. Should they be reckless but charming? Cautious yet fiercely loyal? The choice is yours.
• The Desire: What drives your hero? Are they chasing redemption, looking to rescue someone they love, or simply craving the thrill of the unknown? A strong desire fuels their choices and the stakes of the story.

Create Engaging and Diverse Characters

• More Than Sidekicks: Your supporting cast needs more than just names on a page. Whether friend or foe, each character should have a distinct voice and role in the adventure. Think of unexpected allies, witty rivals, or even a character who turns out to be far from what they first seemed.
• Diversity Matters: Adventure stories often take heroes to distant lands or hidden societies. Use this as an opportunity to reflect the world’s rich diversity. Characters from different backgrounds can bring fresh perspectives, knowledge, and conflicts that will enrich the story.

Establish the Setting and Atmosphere

• World-building: Where your adventure takes place is as important as the characters in it. Is it a sprawling, ancient city teeming with secrets? A treacherous, unexplored island? Even familiar places can be given an otherworldly feel with the right description and mood.
• Beyond Just Sights: Use all the senses. What does the air smell like? What noises echo through the old temple? How does the ground feel beneath your protagonist’s feet? Atmospheric details draw readers in and make the setting as alive as any character.

Build Tension and Conflict

• Never A Smooth Ride: Tension is the lifeblood of an adventure story. Think of it like climbing a steeper and steeper mountain – the thrill comes from knowing a fall is possible. Your hero can’t just walk through challenges, they need to sweat, stumble, and sometimes get knocked down.
• Internal vs. External: Conflict can be physical – escaping a collapsing cave, battling strange creatures, or outsmarting a villain. But internal conflict is just as important. Self-doubt, a hidden fear, or facing a past mistake can all be powerful obstacles alongside the more obvious ones.

Incorporate Plot Twists and Surprises

• Amaze Readers: Just as your readers think they have the path figured out, throw a curveball. A secret betrayal, a lost city that wasn’t so lost, or a seemingly helpful companion with a hidden agenda are great ways to shake things up.
• But Don’t Cheat: Surprises should make sense in retrospect, even if they initially blow the reader’s mind. Plant subtle, cleverly hidden clues so when the twist comes, there’s that satisfying moment instead of feeling tricked.

Use Sensory Language to Indulge Readers in the Story

• Engage All the Senses: Words are your most powerful tool for making a fictional world feel real. Don’t describe the jungle as simply ‘green’ – it’s a riot of emerald hues, buzzing with unseen insects, the air humid and smelling of wet leaves.
• Show, Don’t Tell: Instead of saying a character is exhausted, write about wobbly legs, burning eyes, and how each breath catches painfully in their chest. Show the emotion or experience through the senses, becoming tangible for the reader.

Write Concise and Impactful Dialogue

• Purposeful Conversations: Every line of dialogue should contribute something to the story. Is it revealing character, pushing the plot along, or subtly hinting at something important? If not, it likely needs a trim!
• Sounds Like a Real Person: People rarely speak in perfect, grammatical sentences. Replicate the rhythms and quirks of natural speech. Does your brave yet clumsy sidekick stumble over words when nervous? Does the experienced guide pepper their stories with folksy wisdom?
• Actions Speak Louder: Dialogue is strongest when paired with the characters’ actions. A hissed, “We’re not alone,” is way more chilling if the speaker slowly draws a weapon, eyes darting to the shadows.

Pay Attention to Pacing And Structure

• Change Up the Tempo: A relentless chase scene followed by tense silence creates a dynamic reading experience. Don’t be afraid to mix heart-pounding action with scenes for your characters to catch their breath, reflect, or make a crucial decision.
• The Roadmap: Even the most unpredictable adventure needs a sense of direction. Outline the overall structure: where does the story kick-off? When does the first major obstacle appear? At what point is it “all hope seems lost”? This keeps you and your reader from getting completely lost on the journey.

Edit Ruthlessly and Polish Your Story

This is our last tip on how to write an adventure story:

• Be Your Own Toughest Critic: It’s easy to fall in love with your own clever phrases. Take a step back, read aloud, and ask: Does this move the story forward? Would my character really say this? Is this scene as exciting as it could be?
• Fresh Eyes Help: Find beta readers – friends, fellow writers – who will be honest. An outside perspective is invaluable in spotting plot holes, boring passages, or when a character’s personality diminishes.
• Refine till it Shines: Even after the story’s structure is strong, the little things make it sparkle. Word choice, sentence flow, vivid descriptions – taking that final pass to refine your prose can uplift good writing into something truly special.