

Episode 156 - How to write the fast start.
Discover the art of crafting a gripping opening that keeps readers hooked. Learn why immediate action and early tension are crucial for engagement. Explore insights from Alice Munro and Richard Ford's writing rules to elevate your storytelling. Delve into a compelling critique of common pitfalls, emphasizing action over excessive explanation. Plus, hear a personal journey of growth in writing inspired by classic literature. Get ready to ignite your creativity!
26:04
Fast Starts
- Start stories with a fast pace to hook readers.
- Use action and intrigue in the first few pages.
Armada Example
- Ernest Cline's Armada begins with the protagonist seeing a UFO.
- This immediately grabs the reader's attention.
Sharpe's Triumph Example
- Bernard Cornwell's Sharpe's Triumph starts with a vivid, unsettling image.
- Sharpe is covered in flies and blood but remains still.
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Intro
00:00 • 3min
The Power of a Fast Start in Storytelling
02:31 • 3min
Crafting a Compelling Opening Scene
05:19 • 12min
Embracing Action and Overcoming Obstacles in Writing
17:32 • 5min
Journey Through Storytelling and Essential Literary Recommendations
22:41 • 3min

The Shining
Stephen King
In 'The Shining,' Stephen King tells the story of the Torrance family—Jack, Wendy, and their young son Danny—who move into the isolated Overlook Hotel in the Colorado Rockies. Jack, a recovering alcoholic and aspiring writer, takes the job as the hotel's winter caretaker to overcome his personal demons and reconnect with his family. However, the hotel, with its dark and violent history, exerts a malevolent influence on Jack, exploiting his weaknesses and threatening his family. Danny, who possesses psychic abilities known as 'the shining,' is particularly vulnerable to the hotel's supernatural forces. As the winter isolates them, the family faces terrifying events that culminate in a tragic confrontation with the hotel's evil presence[2][3][5].

Skeleton Crew
Star Wars: Skeleton Crew
John Watts

The Hunger Games
Suzanne Collins
Set in a post-apocalyptic North America known as Panem, The Hunger Games follows Katniss Everdeen, a 16-year-old girl from District 12, who volunteers to participate in the 74th Hunger Games to save her younger sister Prim. Alongside Peeta Mellark, the other tribute from District 12, Katniss must use her hunting skills and wits to survive the arena. The Games are a tool of oppression by the Capitol to remind the districts of their defeat in a past rebellion. As Katniss and Peeta navigate the treacherous arena, they also manipulate the audience and sponsors to gain advantages, while sparking the beginnings of a rebellion against the Capitol's tyrannical rule.

11/22/63
Stephen King
In '11/22/63', Stephen King crafts a compelling narrative around Jake Epping, a high school English teacher from Lisbon Falls, Maine, who discovers a time portal in the back room of a local diner. This portal leads him to 1958, where he assumes the identity of George Amberson and integrates into society while awaiting the opportunity to prevent the assassination of President John F. Kennedy in 1963. The novel explores themes of time travel, the butterfly effect, and the personal relationships Jake forms, particularly with Sadie Dunhill, a high school librarian. King's meticulous research recreates the culture and atmosphere of the 1950s and 1960s, making the historical setting feel vivid and authentic. The book is a blend of suspense, historical fiction, and romance, showcasing King's versatility as a writer[1][3][5].

Dracula
Bram Stoker
The novel tells the story of Count Dracula, a vampire who moves from Transylvania to England to spread terror and create more vampires. The story begins with Jonathan Harker, an English solicitor, who travels to Transylvania to finalize the sale of a property to Count Dracula. Upon discovering Dracula's true nature, Harker barely escapes with his life. Dracula then travels to England, where he targets Harker's fiancée, Mina, and her friend Lucy. A group of characters, including Professor Van Helsing, Dr. John Seward, and Quincey Morris, band together to hunt down and destroy Dracula. The novel explores themes of good vs. evil, modernity vs. tradition, and the fears and anxieties of the Victorian era, including immigration, sexual desire, and the role of women in society.

It
Stephen King
Published in 1986, 'It' is a horror novel by Stephen King that follows the experiences of seven children in Derry, Maine, as they are terrorized by an evil entity known as 'It'. The story alternates between two periods: 1958, when the children first encounter 'It', and 1985, when they reunite as adults to confront the monster once more. 'It' takes on various forms to exploit the fears of its victims, most commonly appearing as the clown Pennywise. The novel explores themes of childhood trauma, the power of memory, and the enduring impact of evil on the lives of its victims. It is known for its detailed world-building and the vivid depiction of the fictional town of Derry, where the story unfolds[1][3][5].

The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
Robert Louis Stevenson
The novella tells the story of Dr. Henry Jekyll, a well-respected scientist, and his mysterious and malevolent alter ego, Mr. Edward Hyde. Jekyll’s experiments with a potion lead to the physical and moral transformation into Hyde, an embodiment of his darker impulses. The story explores the theme of the duality of human nature, the struggle between good and evil, and the consequences of tampering with the natural order. The narrative unfolds through the investigations of Mr. Gabriel John Utterson, a London lawyer and friend of Dr. Jekyll, who uncovers the sinister relationship between Jekyll and Hyde.
The disaster artist
The disaster artist
Seth Rogen
Greg Sestero
Dave Franco
James Franco

Independence Day
Bristy Press House

The Running Man
ben benson

Frankenstein
Mary Shelley
Written in epistolary form, the novel tells the story of Victor Frankenstein, a brilliant and ambitious scientist who, driven by Enlightenment-era ideas of progress and science, creates a living being from dead body parts. However, upon seeing the creature come to life, Frankenstein is horrified and abandons it. The creature, shunned by society due to its appearance, seeks revenge against its creator, leading to a series of tragic events. The novel explores themes of guilt, loss, and the emotional and moral consequences of scientific hubris, blending elements of Gothic and Romantic literature.

Daily Rituals
How Artists Work
Mason Currey
Daily Rituals: How Artists Work is a book that delves into the daily routines and working habits of more than 161 highly successful and creative individuals. The book, written by Mason Currey, provides insights into how these creatives structured their days to manage their work and personal lives. It includes profiles of famous figures such as Anthony Trollope, Karl Marx, Woody Allen, Agatha Christie, and many others, highlighting their unique routines, habits, and quirks. The book aims to show how grand creative visions are translated into small daily increments and how these routines influence the work itself. It also explores broader themes such as the balance between comfort and creativity, and the importance of forming good habits to free the mind for more interesting fields of action[1][3][4].

Jane Eyre
Edmund Morrison Wimperis
Edmund H. Garrett
Jant van der Weg-Laverman
Charlotte Brontë
The novel follows Jane Eyre from her childhood at Gateshead Hall, where she is mistreated by her aunt and cousins, to her education at Lowood School, and later her employment as a governess at Thornfield Hall. There, she falls in love with her enigmatic employer, Edward Fairfax Rochester, but discovers a dark secret about his past that forces her to make a difficult choice. The novel explores themes of love, independence, and social justice, and is known for its realistic portrayal of the inner life of a woman during the Victorian era.

The gift of the Magi
O. Henry
The story revolves around Della and Jim, a young couple struggling financially. Despite their meager budget, they each give up their most treasured possessions to buy Christmas gifts for each other. Della sells her long hair to buy a platinum fob chain for Jim's prized watch, while Jim sells his watch to buy beautiful combs for Della's hair. The story emphasizes that the greatest gift is the love and sacrifices made for one another, echoing the wisdom of the magi from the biblical tale.

Dance of the Happy Shades
Alice Munro
Alice Munro's "Dance of the Happy Shades" is a collection of short stories that showcases her signature style of precise imagery and emotionally resonant narratives. The stories explore the complexities of human relationships and the subtle shifts in power dynamics within families and communities. Munro's characters are often ordinary people grappling with extraordinary circumstances, their lives filled with both joy and sorrow. The collection's themes of memory, loss, and the search for meaning are explored with depth and sensitivity. "Dance of the Happy Shades" is a testament to Munro's mastery of the short story form.

Armada
Ernest Cline
Ernest Cline's "Armada" is a science fiction novel that blends video game culture with extraterrestrial encounters. The story follows Zack Lightman, a teenager who discovers a hidden connection between his favorite video game and a real-life alien invasion. Cline's writing is witty and engaging, filled with pop culture references and thrilling action sequences. The novel explores themes of friendship, courage, and the importance of facing one's fears. "Armada" is a fun and exciting read for fans of science fiction and video games.
Sharpe's Triumph
Sharpe's Triumph
Bernard Cornwell
Bernard Cornwell's "Sharpe's Triumph" is a historical fiction novel set during the Napoleonic Wars. The story follows Richard Sharpe, a resourceful and courageous British soldier, as he navigates the treacherous landscapes of war and political intrigue. Cornwell's writing is vivid and immersive, bringing the era to life with its detailed descriptions of battles, characters, and settings. The novel explores themes of loyalty, courage, and the complexities of war. "Sharpe's Triumph" is a thrilling and engaging read for fans of historical fiction.
Many readers only give a story ten or twenty pages before putting it aside to look for something more interesting. A fast start is the best way to maintain the reader's interest. Here's how to write the fast start. Also, how Alice Munro worked, and Richard Ford's rules of writing.