We can all agree that your opening scenes are your only chance to capture your reader's attention. It's what hooks them into the story.
Your first scene and several scenes that follow are your story's setup.
The setup is essential to master. You have to be concise, deliberate, and selective with what you reveal and withhold. You don't want to give too much away too soon.
Your beginning scenes must accomplish several things simultaneously. And in this episode, I'm boiling it down to 4 essentials.
Episode Web Page with Show Notes
Have a question you want me to answer on the podcast? Send me a Text Message.
Want to join a community of like-minded writers? Need inspiration and support? Join us in our private Writer Unleashed Community Facebook Group. It's totally free to join.
#37: Three Questions to Ask Before You Plot Your Story
#36: Three Storytelling Techniques to Steal From Superbowl Ads
#35: What Does It Take To Become a Successful Writer?
#34: How to Write Backstory Without Boring Your Reader
#33: Three Ways to Avoid Melodrama
#32: Five Ways to Avoid the Stock Villain
#31: What Most Writers Get Wrong About Point of View
#30: How to Stop Dreaming and Write for Real in 2021
#29: How to Re-Ignite Your Motivation to Write
#28: You Already Know How to Write Atmosphere
#27: Writer Rejected: How to Bounce Back Fast
#26: Writing About Someone You Know - Is Your Story Worth It?
#25: Why Your Voice Matters
#24: You Already Know How To Write Dialogue
#23: The Number 1 Mindset All Great Writers Share
#22: Three Ways to Avoid Character Stereotype
#21: How to Craft Your Ideal Story Ending
#20: Four Ways Your Writing Group is Holding You Back (and What To Look For In Your Next Writing Tribe)
#19: Should I Outline Before I Write?
#18: How to Write With Unstoppable Inspiration
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
LifeBlood
Navigating Life After 40
Science of Reading: The Podcast
Old Fashioned On Purpose
The Minimal Mom