I've been reading it, How about they go to the nether and find a fortress and they have to fight blazes, Or get attacked by a Ghast, And maybe be a peaceful Pig zombie or something? That will help them of course, Maybe the fortress couldn't be in ruins and/or maybe be a home for pig zombies?
Trust me, I was going to do that. This is barely the beginning.
As for poor writing, I haven't ever done a story before.