A story is the writer's autobiography.
When a writer comes up with a story, that story is a reflection of what
goes on inside the person; it is his/her autobiography, whether literal,
or symbolic, or both.   What is inside of the person, perhaps in the deep
unconscious, bubbles through to the outside via the story.
Is the story about superheros battling villains?   That's a reflection
of the writer's negative self waging battle against the writer's positive self.
Is it a horror story?   That's the writer's darkness and toxicity coming through.
Is it an inspirational love story?   That's the writer's positive self having
its say.
It is beneficial to be aware of the overall direction (type) of the story
before it is engaged (read, watched, listened to).   Engaging a story that is
an outflow of the writer's negative side (horror, violence, emotional drama)
connects you with his/her negativity and all that is connected with it;
it can bring your energy down and mess you up.
The feeling of being so into the story that it is difficult to put
the book down, or feeling like watching all the episodes on and on,
is usually NOT a positive indicator; it usually is an indication of
negative issues.   Positive energy doesn't grab on forcefully, the way
negative energies do, so a positive book/movie will allow you the space
to go gradually, to pace yourself.   Positivity (lovingness) is gentle,
respectful.   Negativity tries to cling on and push aside everything
(positive) else.

Note:   What is written in this article is also valid for other
           forms of art and expression.

There is a special technique that can help detect the true nature of a story,
the writer, and the effect on you; it can also help resolve already committed
affections.   It is called Neuro-Emotional Technique (NET), and is performed
by specially trained doctors.