Category Archives: Beginnings
Hooks Versus Openings
Recently the Writer’s Digest published an article that compiled the views of writing professionals on opposing sides of certain writing “rules” issues. One of the topics dealt with the novel opening, or hook. How exactly should a novel begin? Should … Continue reading
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Hooks Readers Can’t Resist
This week at the team blog I contribute to, Speculative Faith, we took a look at the first one hundred words of five unpublished manuscripts by some anonymous volunteers, with one question in mind: would you keep reading? Over fifty … Continue reading
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Plot Weaving – Where To Start
The events of the plot need to be “causally connected.” In other words, one event needs to cause the next event, and in the end the character needs to be changed. Continue reading
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What Goes Into A Plot
A central character wants something intensely, goes after it despite opposition and, as a result of a struggle, comes to either win or lose. Continue reading
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The First Five Pages
Some time ago, I addressed the subject of starting a novel in a post by the extraordinarily original title “How To Start A Novel.” 
In that piece, I made the case for beginning a story with an engaging character who wants something and with a clearly defined antagonist who will be the chief cause of things that thwart the character from reaching his desired end.
Scarlet wants Ashley, who becomes engaged to Melanie (Gone With The Wind by Margaret Mitchell). Captain Ahab wants revenge on the whale that took his leg, but Moby Dick continues to elude him (Moby Dick by Herman Melville). Grady wants to be loved, but Floyd, his father figure, ignores him, uses him, and betrays him (The Charlatan’s Boy by Jonathan Rogers). Continue reading
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How To Start A Novel
Over the past few years, I’ve discovered some excellent writers whose novels, from my perspective, would be stronger if the story structure were stronger. Many writers may believe that their story hangs on the plot sequence. Hence they work hard … Continue reading
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Story Beginnings – A Look at The Enclave by Karen Hancock
The CSFF Blog Tour is featuring Karen Hancock’s latest release, a science fiction/suspense entitled The Enclave. As I’ve visited other blogs and read reviews, I’ve seen a couple things that stand out to me as a writer, but for now … Continue reading
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