The Importance of Identifying the Major Dramatic Question

“Every story has one main question that it raises in the beginning and answers by the end.” - Savannah Gilbo

In this latest podcast episode, we'll explore a fundamental element of storytelling: the Major Dramatic Question (MDQ). From the outset of your story, readers should be gripped by this central question. Here’s a preview of what’s included:

[01:31] Savannah talks about why the major dramatic question (MDQ) of a story is a helpful question for writers and how you can find the MDQ of your story.

[04:27] What's going to help you write a story that's full of narrative drive (the thing that keeps readers turning the pages)?

[08:12] Once you know your story's Major Dramatic Question (MDQ), what do you do with it?

[09:44] How your story’s MDQ can help during the publishing process and can pique a potential reader's interest.

Links mentioned in this episode:

• Episode #2: How to Choose the Best Genre for Your Story
• The Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
• Notes to Novel Course
• Ugly Love by Colleen Hoover
• Yellow Face by R. F. Kuang

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