October 21, 2015. Welcome to my Blog Challenge on preparing your novel. Those who are just arriving, do check out the earlier posts on this challenge, as the exercises/ reflections build on each other. To find out more about this challenge, read my original post HERE.
In the second half of part I (or Act I) the protagonist is forced to change - against his/her will. He/she must be put in a position where she has to embark on her journey. This is called the "INCITING INCIDENT". Something happens which forces the protagonist to make a choice or a decision which will change his/her life forever, even if he doesn't realize it at the time.
1. What is the inciting incident that occurs at the beginning of your story and starts the action of the story?
2. What does the protagonist have to choose between? What are the stakes involved in either choice?
3. What morally significant choice does the protagonist make? Why does he/she choose this?
This is the first turning point of your story. It is also the end of the hook. Now it's time to start building suspense. The protagonist realises he/she has done something irrevocable; this is serious, he/she could lose everything. From now until the final climax, you will be building tension and suspense to keep the reader interested.
4. What is the protagonist's inner, emotional reaction to this decision? When does he/she realizes what this choice will mean?
5. What is the antagonist's emotional reaction to this decision? Why? How does it affect him/her?
6. What is the emotional reaction of the protagonist's friend/mentor/love interest to this decision?
7. How will you hint at the secret/backstory/flaw that could cause your protagonist to fail completely? (Building tension here)
These questions should all be covered by the end of the first six chapters (or 1/4 length) of your novel. This is the end of part I of your story. Your protagonist is about to embark on his/her journey.
Please leave a comment, or tweet or like this post. We can all learn from each other. See you tomorrow!
In the second half of part I (or Act I) the protagonist is forced to change - against his/her will. He/she must be put in a position where she has to embark on her journey. This is called the "INCITING INCIDENT". Something happens which forces the protagonist to make a choice or a decision which will change his/her life forever, even if he doesn't realize it at the time.
1. What is the inciting incident that occurs at the beginning of your story and starts the action of the story?
2. What does the protagonist have to choose between? What are the stakes involved in either choice?
3. What morally significant choice does the protagonist make? Why does he/she choose this?
This is the first turning point of your story. It is also the end of the hook. Now it's time to start building suspense. The protagonist realises he/she has done something irrevocable; this is serious, he/she could lose everything. From now until the final climax, you will be building tension and suspense to keep the reader interested.
4. What is the protagonist's inner, emotional reaction to this decision? When does he/she realizes what this choice will mean?
5. What is the antagonist's emotional reaction to this decision? Why? How does it affect him/her?
6. What is the emotional reaction of the protagonist's friend/mentor/love interest to this decision?
7. How will you hint at the secret/backstory/flaw that could cause your protagonist to fail completely? (Building tension here)
These questions should all be covered by the end of the first six chapters (or 1/4 length) of your novel. This is the end of part I of your story. Your protagonist is about to embark on his/her journey.
Please leave a comment, or tweet or like this post. We can all learn from each other. See you tomorrow!
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