
Introduction

At this point you have many of the
elements needed to start your story…

and your main characters. You have
also decided on the point of view from
which to tell your story…

What is that? The plot is
another word to describe your
storyline. You will have briefly
sketched out your plan for your story
back when we did the story mapping.
Now is the time to start
thinking about fleshing that out.

What are your aims for the beginning,
middle and end? Will there be a plot
twist? How do you plan to surprise
your reader, if at all?

readers to their writing but equally as
important is retaining those
readers’ interest.

a good introduction (more to follow)
and you can keep them interested
by ensuring that you are consistent
in your quality.

the reader reading, before
we write our introduction…
What are the vital elements in
achieving this?

the dialogue tight, no waffling.
Have your plan and stick to it.
Don’t spend too long on
unnecessary detail and use
dialogue as well as description,
to move the story along.

regularly hint at something that
the reader really wants to find out?
Romance – is there the possibility of
two characters falling in love?

out and the reader wants them to
sort it out?
Humour – are you funny
enough to carry the story through
to conclusion?

all, of these elements are necessary
within one story.

your readers’ interest is the
characters and the relationships
between them.

that will keep readers hooked?
A romance, a friendship or a sibling
rivalry… Make sure that your
characters interact and that they
matter to each other. Have your
reader care about your characters.

where the story goes and thus
ensure they read to the end.

interested by writing that
introduction and the rest will follow…

good introduction? Setting the
scene, being descriptive and
drawing the reader in – have them
want to follow you into your world.
Grab attention with your first line
– does it shock or is it fantastical?

quirky/interesting characters.
Darren was convinced that he could
hear his heart beating in his chest.
Despite the fact that the wind was
howling and his sister continued to
cry in his ear, he was sure it
was booming loudly.

You know your characters;
you’ve mapped your story out.
You are ready for this.
Let’s get writing!
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