So what does it take to make a movie or novel to go from 'meh' to a 'blockbuster'?
Characters.
This was the reason LOST was such a powerful show. It wasn't about the logistics of a plane breaking apart with possible survivors, or even the idea that it was some form of purgatory. It was about the individuals and how they related to each other, both with their weaknesses and their strengths.
So, Abrams had a huge problem of making a STAR TREK 'pre-quel' of a VERY popular series. How do you write a realistic story of how the cast of characters found each other? All the characters came from very diverse backgrounds, but as a team they meshed into a true working unit of personalities, foibles, and quirks to the table and all Abrams did was mix and shake well. And it wasn't just cut and dry cardboard characters, but layers of humor and nuance added to the mix that made this movie one I will watch over and over again.
What about your keeper books versus the books you read and said, "meh"? What did they have in common with Star Trek?
I don't know about you, but I'd have to go with MANY LAYERED CHARACTERS. And the best thing you can do for your stories is to give your characters layers--like SHREK when he was describing an ogre and talking about the layers of an onion.
This is why a first draft isn't a final draft. Most writers don't truly know their characters until they finish the story. I don't care how many character charts or arcs or whatever the you diddle with, it isn't until you throw disastrous stuff at your characters and write their reactions do you really know who they are.
If you haven't seen STAR TREK, watch it. If you aren't a trekkie, who cares? But study the characters, their personalities, and their interactions with each other. I bet you can add character layering to your writing arsenal, too.
Write on!
