What makes books entertaining? A scene from iCarly (yes, I watched iCarly growing up), phrases this eloquently. When dared to read a book, Sam Puckett obliges, then later says "They're great, they're like TV in your head!" (iFence, 2008)
Essentially, that's true. Books are like a theatrical experience produced by our imaginations. Words come to life and can create memorable people, pets or creatures; they can tug on our heartstrings; and even take us places. Right now, I want to focus on that last point.
A good book should take you somewhere. Make sure you set up the setting vividly very early on and carry it throughout your work. Although chances are the primary motive for going to the movies is for laughs, frights, heart-pumping/adrenaline-racing excitement, (or lovey-dovey scenes if you're into that sort of thing), movies that are beautifully filmed are often praised for their visuals or cinematography.
Think about the visuals in Star Trek, Avatar, The Batman, Sin City, Pacific Rim, A Cure for Wellness, 300, Tron Legacy & The Book of Eli. Each movie has a distinct visual style which sells the mood and genre of the movie.
You may not have the cameras, lights, or set pieces, but use your descriptions of color, your evocative word choice, and detail the places your characters go to just like you want an accurate adaptation of your novel to hit the big screen someday. Write it like you would want to watch it.
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