writercises | EXERCISE: Starting Line

original posting: Mon, 24 Jun 2002 22:25:18 -0400

"You can have it back," she said, and started to cry.

There you go. Let the little neurons ponder a while. Who is she? Who is she talking to? What can "you" have back? And why does she cry?

Now pull back a bit. What's the scene where this is happening? Who else is around? Is this the climax, or just a beginning?

You may want to consider this short checklist:

Background

1. Where are we? (setting)
2. Who is involved? (characters, strengths, flaws)
3. Where are they headed? (goals, motives)
4. What stops or blocks them? (obstacle(s))
5. What are they going to do about it? (plans to overcome problems)

Story

6. What hook(s) or bait for the reader will I use? (where start)
    What story question do I pose for the reader?
7. What backfill is needed? (background that needs to be filled in)
8. What buildup do I want? (scenes)
9. What is the climax?
    - how does the character change? (overcome weakness, etc.)
    - how is the plot resolved? (overcome problems and achieve goals)
    - What answer does the reader get to the story question?

Higher Level

10. What purpose, moral, or theme am I writing about?

Okay? You know where you're going with this tale?

Then start with

"You can have it back," she said, and started to cry.

and write!