top of page
Resources
Let's write a book...
Getting Started
7 Key First Chapter Questions
From DIY MFA
1. Genre: What kind of story is this?
2. What is the story really about?
3. Who is telling the story?
4. Which character should the reader care most about?
5. Where and when does the story take place?
6. How should the reader feel about what's happening?
7. Why should the reader care about what happens next?
5 Things to Include in the First Chapter
From Masterclass
1. A gripping first paragraph
2. An introduction to the main character
3. An introduction to the antagonist
4. A vivid setting
5. An inciting incident
Story Structure
I love this from Pixar. Watch the video for more explanation. The structure of their stories, from Toy Story to Inside Out and more, goes something like this:
Once upon a time there was a girl...
Everyday she did this one thing.
Then one day, something happened.
Because of that, she has to leave.
Because of that, she finds life outside.
Until finally, she finds a bigger purpose.
bottom of page