So we all know about neglected and abused stories. They normally involve a either stupid amount of revenge or a stupidly large harem. But, I'm not a fan of just trashing on stories, even if they may not be the best thing ever.

I'm here to teach a lesson. Specifically, of why neglected and abused stories tend to work.

Ahem...

THEY HAVE THE CONFLICT OF THE STORY IN THE TITLE. IT'S LITERALLY A NEGLECTED AND ABUSED STORY.

...

Yeah.

These stories work so much because they have all of the conflict of the story in the very title of the story. Readers aren't confused, so the writer doesn't have to put anything more than basic work into making the story work.

The main character's problem?
He was neglected and abused. He may have some trauma or anger issues because of it.

It just works.

However.... more frequently than not, the authors of these stories don't know why they work.

This lack of understanding causes confusion in several parts of stories, creating many stories with a similar process, but very few with any sort of creative spin on them.

But go ahead and write away! This is the story to beat out all other stories! No worries, it'll never fail you!

So like... I'm not gonna lie, I think most writers here have either wanted to, or has written a "neglected and abused" in some way. Whether it's the main character or a side character, whether it's a one shot or a fully planned story, it's probably been done in some way, shape, or form.

I actually encourage new writers to use this type of story, because you can't start with a masterpiece. You have to be willing to make a few mistakes in order to write anything at all.

Don't compare the idea in your head to the edited and posted work of other writers. I know, a lot of writers on here don't edit.

Still, these aren't necessarily bad stories. It all depends on you, the author.

Until another lesson, Toodles.