Contrary to what people think, a story is not just something that happens. If that were true, we could all cancel the cable, lug our Barcakoungers onto the front lawn, and be utterly entertained, 24/7, just watching the world go by.

…A story isn't simply that happens to someone either.

…A story isn't even something dramatic that happens to someone.

…So what is a story? A story is how what happens affects someone who is trying to achieve what turns out to be a difficult goal, and how he or she changes as a result.
Lisa Cron (Wired for Story)