Hi ,
What part of a story is the hardest to get right?
Over the last decade, I've reviewed dozens and dozens of manuscript and works-in-progress, and you might be surprised to learn what part of a story I've noticed most writers struggle with time and time again.
It's not the story's climax where everything comes together and the reader is provided with a cathartic release and the loose ends get tied up.
It's not the middle of the story where the writer must keep the reader entertained throughout a series of complications, obstacles, tests, and adventures.
Surprisingly enough, it is actually the opening act!
Yes, it's the very beginning of the story that I see people getting wrong over and over again.
This is a BIG problem!
If you don't pull your reader in with an exciting opening act, it doesn't matter if the rest of your book is fantastic. The reader will never get to the good stuff. Instead, they will put your book down and move onto something with a more engaging opening.
Recently, I have been thinking a lot about how to craft an engaging first act. The result is something truly exciting, which, I'll be telling you about shortly.
You see, I just might have the solution to all of your Act I problems . . . so stay tuned!
Your pal in writing,
Kevin T. Johns, writing coach
P.S. Can't wait to hear what I have up my sleeve? Hit reply and let me know you are interested in learning more immediately, and I'll fill you in on some of the details.