This post will dissect the Zero to Fifteen Percent of the First Act of the Three Act Structure. The first fifteen percent of your novel, I believe, is the most important. It encompasses the Hook and the Setup of the First Act. If you’re wondering what they all are, and how it is going to make your story a best-seller––read below.
The Three Act Structure, defined by Reedsy, is “It digs deep into the popular notion that a story must have a beginning, middle, and end, and goes even further, defining specific plot events that must take place at each stage.”
I’m going to do a part-series on how you can apply the Three Act Structure to your story but more importantly, focusing in on the specific stages, to help you entice the reader to keep reading past chapter one.
Over the past weeks, I posted mini-series for character development. I hope writers and authors took at least one or two things away from my advice. If you are unsure of what I am referring to, you can look at the last post of the series, and there are links to the other posts there.
As for this post, I wanted to roll-on from your well-rounded protagonist, you need to build suspense for you readers to finish your story. Suspense is a wonderful tool to evoke a strong emotional response from readers. Below are Three Suggestions to Build Suspense In Your Novel.
If you want to be a writer, write. If you can’t write because of fear, try not to take this so seriously. After all, you’re doing this for you—to be the best version of yourself you can imagine. Don’t let fear stop you from what you feel you should do and never, never stop writing.
Writers are self-doubting people. Many of us revolt against ourselves and strike fear into our own hearts. We are, after all, our own worst critics.
My secret is simple: I make everything count. Every effort, no matter how small, gets me one step closer to my goal. Even if you have limited time to write, you might be surprised at how quickly the words add up. All you need to do is hold yourself accountable and show up for work. No creative magic required.
“May your coming year be filled with magic and dreams and good madness. I hope you read some fine books and kiss someone that thinks your wonderful, and don’t forget to make some art — write or draw or sing or build or live as only as you can. And I hope, somewhere in the the next year, you surprise yourself.” Neil Gaiman.
Twenty-seventeen resolutions were made and some broken.
At Christmas my family talk about what each of us were grateful for the year. It has become our own little tradition and it allows us to focus on the positives.
Thank you to all the followers and viewers! I was surprised to see where people were reading my blog. I was shocked to see such a diverse range of people from different countries reading my blog – such as South Korea, Singapore and Croatia!
I could not be happier with the results I have been achieving. Thank you everyone again, and I will aim to entertain my audience with my thoughts, readings and writing.
Here is the third installment for my online fantasy novel. If this is your first viewing please read the 1st and 2nd, and it should make a lot more sense.
I held onto her hand, trying not to get lost. I could hear the echoing stomps of the enormous creature, rocks crumbling down from its claws squeezing through the narrow tunnels.
My legs were tired from the constant running and my throat was burning from smoke. I dragged Santhara down like an anchor on a capsizing boat. I spun around to see the rider sitting on the Dragons jagged spine. I saw he had no legs; his torso was merged to the creature.
Most of my posts have been creative writing pieces. A friend asked me the other day, ‘don’t you get writer’s block?’
Writer’s block. The daunting term that can make or break writers. I have been fortunate enough to experience it a lot less than others tend to portray, nevertheless I still have.
There are alot of theories, techniques, tips and suggestions that float around the internet. But these are the ones I tend to fall back on to prevent my writers block. They are:
Leave a post note for your future writing session.
I love this idea. At the end of each writing session, leave a post note of what you want to accomplish next session. It starts your creative spark and it gives you a sense of direction. Always leave a sticky on your notepad, side of your laptop or in your notes app.
2.WordPress
Laugh all you want, but WordPress helps. If I am suffering from mental stimulation I read blogs. If you read enough it might re-spark the dismal creative flame. For instance, the other day I wanted to continue with my online novel (second installment Burimen Brothers – Part II ) but I felt stuck until I found an article about Dragon Riders in Fantasy novels. I loved it and it inspired me to go back to my story, and change it around. Here is the article Grady P Brown.
Hopefully this article has the same affect.
3.Read a book
The same reasons as above but if you struggle to get online inspiration, reading a book can have the same outcome.
4. Allocate time
Yes, make time to write. It sounds like an obvious one but it works. I set a timer for 30mins each writing session. Deadlines and time pressure forces writers to have the words on paper or screen. After 30mins I reset the clock and go again. At first I only did 15mins and over time I increased it. Hopefully I will able to do longer time slots. Start small, adjust your mental focus to the small time frame then increase. You will see your overall progress increase and your productivity.
These tips are subjective, they might work for me but they might hinder you even further.
What do you think?
I would love to hear what other writers do to prevent writer’s block.
City life had always fascinated me. Crowds of people rushing for public transport to arrive at a destination. There were some moments I stood there and created back stories of random people; where they were going, what lifestyle they lived and if they had a family or lived alone.
It sparked creativity and train of thoughts for short stories, poems or a character
I would love to create, inside and out.
I can remember this lady I saw. Her eyes were emerald green and curved
like a tear drop on its side. She was one of my memorable characters I created whilst waiting for my train.
I named her Yalein. Her wavy red hair fell below her shoulders and bounced on her back as she paced through the train station. She had always been in a rush after work. Everyday she walked the same path for the same train; the long black draping coat, wavy red hair and tapping high-heels. Her husband, Trent, was an abusive alcoholic. Her escape was work. Worked as long hours as possible to come home, abused of sleeping around or meeting up with other men. Trent never trusted her; Yalien didn’t care, only for their unborn child.
A few months went by; Yaliens belly grew, bruised eyes faded, arm-slings were used and replaced but her make-up was always done perfectly.
Until one day, she didn’t turn up. No echoing taps down the tunnel nor bouncing hair.
(This is fictitious based on no real people or events I know.)
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