A story has a beginning, middle and an end.
Make a brief outline answering these questions to create a story skeleton to build upon.
- The Beginning: What event happens to person, that creates a problem or a need?
- The Middle: What struggle does the character face in solving the problem or the need?
- The End: How is this person changed and what have they learned as a result of the struggle?
This is where the story is made. Imagine the process like a roller coaster. The reader’s attention is captured by the alluring promises made by the title and then they are locked into their seat at the beginning of the ride. Tension builds as the chain’s click-clack pulls them higher into the problem, and then drops them into the middle of the story where there’s no turning back. The reader struggles back and forth, and then up and down along with the characters to solve the problem. The ride then comes to an end where there is resolution showing a change created by the struggle.
Rory C. Keel
Wordsmith Six 