Confused About the Term Inciting Incident?

By Julie Daines

As I've been doing various research for presentations on how to write a first chapter, I'm finding a lot of confusion about the term Inciting Incident.

So, because I want to, let's discuss terminology. I'm not saying that I'm the final source of truth in this--we've all heard it different ways--I'm just going to say what I've found in my research to be the most common use of the term.

Inciting Incident: This is the event that makes this day (where your story begins) different than any other day. The event that changes your MC's life, even though they may not know it yet.

Quick movie reference: Tangled, inciting incident is when Flynn Ryder shows up in Rapunzel's tower.

Key Event: This is when the MC begins to actively participate by making a choice that thrusts him/her into the action. When the MC becomes engaged in the story, usually because of the inciting incident.

The key event is often called the inciting incident, along with various other names. This is why there is so much confusion.

Quick movie reference: Tangled, key event is when Rapunzel decides to leave the tower and forces Flynn to help her.

Can the inciting incident and key event be the same? Yes, occasionally they can.

Does it really matter what term I use for them? No, but it's important to understand that both are an important part of story telling.

Thou Shalt Hook the Reader

By Julie Daines

The 10 Commandments of Writing and When to Break Them

Writing Conferences. We go. We listen. We obey. Maybe sometimes we obey too much.

My next few posts will be about when to break the writing commandments.

Commandment 2: 

Thou Shalt Hook the Reader

This commandment is drilled into our heads almost as much as Commandment #1, Show don't tell.

In fact, the internet is overloaded with first line contests, first paragraph contests, and can you hook the reader in 200 words or less? 

The truth is, I'm a fairly good reader, and I rarely come across a first 200 words that is impossible to resist, let alone a first line. 

Yes, a good hook is important--but it must not be contrived or gimmicky. It must set the stage for the story to come. A hook is meant to attract readers AND let them know what they can expect your story to deliver.

A recent article in Writer's Digest by bestselling author Steven James says, 

Too many times a writer will grab reader's attention early on with a scene that's clearly been contrived just for that purpose, without introducing the character or the setting of the story. Consequently the writer is forced to insert excessive backstory into the next scene--thus undermining the forward momentum of the plot. Take your time, trust your readers and craft a hook that orients them to the world you've created. Then drive the story forward without having to explain why you started it the way you did.

James then outlines seven elements of an effective hook:

1. Grab the reader's attention.
2. Introduce a character readers care about.
3. Set the story's mood.
4. Establish the storyteller's voice.
5. Orient readers to the world of the protagonist (and enable them to picture it).
6. Lock in the genre.
7. End in a way that is both surprising and satisfying.

This is excellent advice. I would especially recommend you pay attention to the mood and genre. 

What are your thoughts?

Commandment 1: Thou Shalt Never Tell 

Perfecting the First Chapter

By Julie Daines

I thought I'd add to Scott's excellent post about revising by touching a little on the all-important first chapter.

We all know how important the first chapter is in getting through the slush pile, but some writers can't seem to get past it. They spend months and months revising and editing it trying to get it perfect, but never get around to finishing the book.

That is where Scott's advice is so important. The best way to have a perfect first chapter is to FINISH THE BOOK. 

The first chapter sets up the whole novel. If the ending is unwritten, how can the first chapter set up the story to its full extent?

The first chapter should do several things:

1. Have a hook. Grab the reader’s attention and give them an idea of what to expect. But how can the writer know what the reader should expect until the work is completed as a whole?

2. Create a sense of voice. Voice takes time to develop. If you want a consistent voice, you have to write to the end. By the end of your story, you're voice will be organic and real. Then go back and fix the voice in the first chapter to make it consistent.

3. Use the perfect POV. Meaning that whichever point of view you choose to write from, it should be for a reason. And all the other elements in the story--setting, description, emotion--should be told only as they relate to the MC and the point of view. Sometimes it's hard to know if the point of view we've chosen is the right one for the story until we've gotten to the end of the book.

4. Establish the main problem of the story. According to Martine Leavitt, the best books must have the problem front and center. I've found for me, the problem I start out writing about doesn’t always end up being the most important one in the novel. That’s why it’s so important to know the end before the beginning can be perfected.

So, follow Scott’s advice. Finish your work. Let it sit. Then go back and revise the heck out of your first chapter. Your work will be stronger, more powerful, and more meaningful if you do.

For more advice on the first chapter, see my blog post here.

Selling Your Novel

By: Julie Daines                     

Selling your novel can be harder than writing it.  So when it comes time to start sending your precious story off like a lamb to the slaughter, it pays to do it right.

Most agents request three elements: the query, the synopsis and the first chapter.  These are your tools to selling your book.

Here’s a basic guide that I’ve found helpful in preparing each of these elements.

The Query:  In the query letter you are selling the concept of your book.  It should identify the main characters and setting, and then a quick idea of the main themes, the conflict, and what’s at stake.  (I’m only referring to the paragraph or two about the actual book.  You’ll also need to show that you’ve done research about the agent, show some credentials etc.)

The Synopsis:  In the synopsis you are selling the story of your book.  The plot, what happens, the character arc, and how it all comes together in an exciting and wonderfully original, thought out way.

The First Chapter:  With the first chapter you’re selling the writing of your book.  This is where you let them see your amazing style, the original voicing, and the way you turn a phrase just right.  With these pages you convince them that they can’t possibly live without reading the rest of your novel.

This is, of course, a general guideline.  Ideally, you want a small overlap, letting each element carry a hint of the others. For example, the fact that you are a good writer should also be evident in the query and synopsis.

Good luck!