The first quarter of any writing project introduces the story’s major characters, their goals, the setting, time period, themes, and issues. In the quest of accomplishing this task, many writers forget the importance of Cause and Effect. When scenes come at a reader one after another with nothing linking them together, the piece feels episodic and thus, off-putting to the reader.
Consider instead finding ways to link the scenes by Cause and Effect. Ask yourself: Because this just happened in this scene what happens next? The operative word here is: because. Because of this, then that. Not, this happens and this happens and this happpens next. But rather, because this happens, then this happens next, and because of that, this happens next. Cause and Effect is a seamless way to draw the reader deeper into the story.
Also, keep in mind the needs of the Beginning. This is not the place where you necessarily deepen the character or the plot; it is the place of introduction.
To read more on Cause and Effect and the specific parameters for each part of a novel, screenplay or memoir, visit, www.blockbusterplots.com and click on Plot Tips.
you say the beginning is 1/4 of the book. that’s crazy. mine is much more than that and works just fine.
No offense, but are you published? These tips are wonderful!
Hi Anonymous-es,
I’m wondering what elements consititue the Beginning in your mind.
Of course, you know there are no rules to writing fiction. I provide guidelines only. If you’ve found a way to make your story work that’s outside the normal story structure, more power to you.
To the second anonymous, I base my advice and guidelines not on my own writing, but on the research I’ve done and the hundreds of classic and comtemporary fiction — both mainstream genre and literary — memoirs, screenplays, young adult and children’s books I’ve analysized.
I’m committed to sharing my finding with other writers in the hopes of easing their writers’ journeys and thus, allow more of the muse to be manifested.
Thank you for your kind words.
Sincerely,
Martha Alderson