| I. Beginning A. Hook 1. Decide what is most important: characters, plot, setting, or writing style 2. That element must be in the hook. 3. Show things changing or in conflict. a. Be main change in story b. -or- reflect main change in story c. -or- lead into main change in story 4. Establish tone for story. B. First 3 paragraphs 1. Location a. Use short, tasty descriptions b. Put the with action a. Ex. I scratched my legs on the brambles as I pushed through the forest's edge.) 2. Characters a. Describe with chracterizing trait (big ears, purple nose, gripping their scimitar, etc...) b. First time, they performs an act to characterize themselves I. Others must exhibit traits for which the audience reacts with emotions. c. Introduce only a few characters at a time! 3. Show what's happening (don't give any backstory yet!) a. Describe using sounds, scents, tastes, etc. b. NO backstory in first 3 paragraphs 4. Consistent point of view a. Third person limited b. First person c. Third person omniscient d. Others are bad choices for beginners C. Ending the beginning 1. Protagonist decides to take action. II. Middle A. Write as series of scenes 1. Every scene should be a decision or a disaster. B. Situation constantly changing C. Situation becomes worse as the story progresses 1. Avenues of success are cut off 2. If they achieve minor goal, they need a new goal right away 3. Leads up to climax where there is only two choices D. Character can't simply leave 1. because they are emotionally involved 2. or it is physically impossible H. Surprises add depth 1. logical but unexpected surprises. 2. Give some before the climax III. End A. An awful choice 1. The logical choice allows him to reach his goal 2. The emotional choice leads to emotional and physical defeat. B. Gimmick 1. Helps reader understand the choice 2. Don't make it obvious it will be a gimmick. Have it serve multiple purposes. C. Anguish of defeat 1. Convince reader there is absolutely no way to win. D. Unexpected Development 1. unexpected, but natural consequence of events 2. Not deus ex machina, i.e. no miracles. E. Reward 1. Not what he wants 2. But what he really needs 3. Not a material reward, reader doesn't care about that as much as emotions F. Tie up loose ends G. Final Sentence 1. May carry implication that story continues 2. May involve awaiting something 3. May involve making some final decision 4. Perhaps a phrase that encapsulate everything that happened |
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