Write Your Screenplay Podcast Rushing: What’s Your Inciting Incident?
Oct 31, 2025
Many writers rush to the inciting incident, weakening their scripts. By slowing down and embracing the present, writers can enhance their storytelling. Ordinary world setups often bore readers, so creating immediate interest is crucial. Every scene can carry structure through present-moment action. Distinguishing between character-driven and commercially driven drafts is key to engaging narratives. Jacob encourages writers to make bold character choices early and savor details to elevate their work.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Inciting Incident Isn't A Single Future Event
- Thinking of the inciting incident as a single event around page 10–12 creates rushed, boring openings.
- Jacob Krueger argues the door to change should be opening in every scene to keep readers present.
Every Page Must Earn Attention
- Rushed 'ordinary world' pages become boring because writers treat them as mere setup.
- Krueger emphasizes every page must pull readers in or it builds a wall between reader and story.
Write The Door To Change Now
- Stop writing to a future hook and instead write scenes that open the door to change now.
- Get present in each scene so the audience experiences the story in the now, not as buildup.
