Writing Lessons!

Plot&Character Developement

My point is, no story is completely original. Let's say you managed to think of a new, never thought of before idea, which is impossible. It's still likely to have been based off of your own life and experiences and the world around you to some extent.

(Matter cannot be created not destroyed. Neither can anything else. Things can only be changed. But this is the beauty of it: you manage to make a new world, a world of magic and awesomeness, while still being confined to the laws of our universe. In a way, authors are wizards. IMAGINATION WIZARDS!!!)

Anyway, just remember your idea doesn't have to be completely original. When it comes to actually making a story, then remember that one of the hardest parts is starting. Once you've got the base, foundation, and framework down, the rest isn't too hard. Let the characters (your construction builders in this analogy, I guess) lead the story for the most part, and just be there to instruct when needed. Be ready to fill up those plot holes, though (no one wants a leaky roof or holes in their walls)!

Easy peasy! Well, as long as you have motivation.

If you don't have motivation, you're probably doomed.

Characters...
Oh my gosh....

Okay. So. If you want well rounded, there dimensional characters, then there a couple of main things to remember.

1) Keep them consistent. Even if random is their consistent. Don't suddenly change them without reason.
Example: Hermione Granger from the Harry Potter series. Her traits stay relatively the same through the whole series, only really changed as her character developed through the new situations that she encounters.

2) When you're making characters, remember that every character has a motivation. Even the bad guys. Every character has a backstory. Every character has reasons behind what they do. Also, remember that every character needs flaws. Yes, even the good guys.
Example: Adrian Monk from the show Monk. Everything he does is based in his backstory, and his flaws are extremely prominent from the first episode (OCD freaking sucks, in case you were wondering) despite the fact that he is the main character in it.

3) Don't be afraid to make similarities and parallels! In order to create realistic, relatable characters, you should put some of yourself or other people into them. It's not a bad thing to incorporate real life or other people's ideas in your stories, but remember there is a limit!
(For parallels there's not as much of a limit, actually, to be honest.)
Example: ...Pretty much every good book ever, probably. And ones that are heavily involved with things like depression and stuff are probably linked to real life.

Mystery/Thriller/Horror

For all of these, a big thing in the plot is usually the unknown. While this is true for lots of stories, it is extra true for these ones.

In other types of stories, usually the big picture is known, but not really the details. The details get reviewed over time.

These stories, on the other hand, are generally more of an "I don't really know anything for sure, but I do have theories and guesses and I think that if someone stopped me from reading this I'd die from anticipation."

In other words, these stories mostly go for one (or both) of two things:

1) Suspense, or

2) f*CK!NG CREEPY STUFF

So... For more info sign up for PM lessons or look at the Fantasy/Adventure/Action Stuff part.

Humor/Comedy

Some people say this isn't a "real" genre. Many people say that humor or comedy things don't really take good plot and character development, but just a good sense of humor.