How do you keep your reader reading till the wee hours of the morning—because they have to figure out how the story ends? You must create a narrative arc that, scene by scene, plot point by plot point, keeps the reader questioning.
Paula Munier, author of Plot Perfect: Building Unforgettable Stories Scene by Scene, offers a plot-building strategy that works no matter the genre you’re writing in.
Great Moments in the Episode
6:19-7:10: How people decide to buy a book.
7:10-8:52: The importance of the first page and “that feeling” you want readers to experience.
8:54-12:42: What is an inciting incident and why you need it immediately in your story.
13:02-16:01: Definition and examples of big story questions and small story questions—and how to use them to make your story different.
16:20-18:05: How to plant major and minor story questions to drive your story.
18:10-20:01: Why you must know your genre to know your obligatory story questions.
23:24-24:58: Using index cards to help you visually plot your story.
25:00-27:04: How to use your genre tropes without becoming cliché.
30:27-35:48: Tips for writing a visually engaging setting that sets the tone and creates tension.
39:15-41:25: How to know if your writing is good before you pitch a literary agent.
Words of the Episode
Vermillion: A deep, brilliant red color.
Stelliferous: Having or abounding with stars.
Paula Munier’s Books to Check Out!
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