The podcast discusses the importance of beginning hooks, high concept pitches, and receiving feedback from other writers. They explore examples from movies and novels to illustrate their points. They also emphasize the need for clear transitions and the role of supportive characters. Additionally, they highlight the significance of making major points high-stakes moments and constructing scenes that reflect the story's arc and theme. The podcast concludes with a discussion on a character's growth and development and an ad for therightpractice.com.
The beginning hook of a story should be strong enough to hook readers and make them want to continue reading, focusing on the ordinary world of the protagonist and the transition into the extraordinary world.
Analyzing major moments on a scale of reversibility helps ensure they are impactful and aligned with the overall arc of the story, including the inciting incident, all-is-lost moment, climax of the beginning hook, and resolution of the middle build, among others.
Deep dives
The Importance of the Beginning Hook
The beginning hook of a story is crucial because it sets up the foundation for the entire narrative. It almost stands alone as its own story and needs to be strong enough to hook readers and make them want to continue reading. Focusing on the ordinary world of the protagonist and the transition into the extraordinary world is essential. Additionally, creating irreversible decisions and exciting moments within the beginning hook can greatly enhance the overall impact of the story.
Analyzing Major Moments in the Story
When revisiting the first draft of a story, it is important to pay close attention to the major moments and evaluate their effectiveness. These major moments include the inciting incident, all-is-lost moment, climax of the beginning hook, and resolution of the middle build, among others. Analyzing these moments on a scale of reversibility from one to ten helps ensure that they are impactful and aligned with the overall arc of the story.
Crafting Powerful Scenes
When reviewing scenes, it is crucial to consider their strength and impact within the story. Scenes should not hover around a mediocre level, but instead, they should reach high levels of emotional stakes. By aiming for high levels of reversibility in scenes, writers can escalate the tension, create more compelling conflicts, and make the story more engaging for readers.
Timing and Revising
Timing is important when it comes to getting feedback from others. It's best to finish a first draft and give it some time to settle before seeking outside input. Taking a break allows writers to approach their work with a fresh perspective during the revision process. In the early stages of revision, focus on major moments, character arcs, and overall story structure. Save the detailed feedback for later drafts when the foundational elements are solidified.
A wide ranging episode where Shawn and Tim discuss a new way to think about beginning hooks, the high concept "What if?" pitch, when to open the door and get other writer's feedback, and how the "Power of 10" will help your editing process.
Also, checkout the website The Write Practice. It has inspiration, writing prompts, and daily content to help you become a better writer.
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