𝐰𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐢𝐩𝐬 & 𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐬

how to structure your story

The structure of a 3 act story and questions to ask yourself.

Act 1

Hook: Introduction To Protagonist's Inner Conflict

The hook is internal conflict, which is simple: desire vs fear. Despite popular belief, the internal conflict starts long before the inciting incident shows up to destroy your protagonist's life.

In fact, that conflict has been boiling just below the surface this whole time — otherwise, your inciting incident wouldn't matter. See, external conflict (the plot) is all about what happens; but internal conflict (the story) is about why it matters.

PROMPT: Ask yourself:

- What does my protagonist think will bring her true happiness or contentment? And how is her fear stopping her from going after it?

- What is my character's misbelief and what happened in their past to create this misbelief?

- How can I show my audience in the FIRST FIVE MINUTES why "what's happening" MATTERS to my protagonist, given their desire, fear, and misbelief?

Inciting Incident: Protagonist Is Pushed Outside Comfort Zone

This is the event that really sets your story in motion. Your inciting incident doesn't have to be some big, epic, crazy call-to-adventure. It just has to be something that pushes your protagonist outside their comfort zone.

A conflict surfaces — something the protagonist has to face head-on. It's really as simple as that. Don't overcomplicate it, as many writers do.

If you know why the inciting incident matters to the protagonist and you let them react to it as a normal person would (running for cover because of their fear!) CONGRATULATIONS. You nailed it.

PROMPT: Ask yourself:

- Why does this inciting incident matter to my protagonist? How does it push her outside her comfort zone?

- What internal conflict is going to arise for my protagonist in wake of the inciting incident?

Build-up: The Impossible Question

Protagonist is going to have to face this thing head on. The reader can now see what the protagonist's internal struggle really is, and how this whole situation is going to be especially tricky for her to navigate.

PROMPT: Ask yourself:

- What is the "impossible choice"? Your protagonist must be faced with options: stay inside their comfort zone and risk NEVER getting What They Desire, or venture into the unknown and accomplish their goal while STILL avoiding their fear.

First Plot Point: Protagonist Makes A Decision Which Determines
What Happens Next

Your protagonist is a conflicted person — torn between desire and fear.

So when the inciting incident steps in and shoves them outside their comfort zone, their fear takes over and they respond based on their misbelief, which sets up more obstacles for the rest of the book.

The human brain makes decisions by avoiding the most pain — so what is the LEAST painful option, in the long run?

Venturing into the unknown and risking some danger... but ultimately getting what you have always desired.