Do’s and Don’ts of Story Beginnings

Story Empire

Ciao, SEers. Back in 2018, I wrote a post about story beginnings: tone, character introduction, even famous first lines. Today, I want to take that a step further and talk about some do’s and don’ts that will help you elevate your beginnings from good to great.

Do’s

• Set up stakes early
• Use a hooks to reel in the reader, especially one that represents the theme of the novel
• Establish setting as soon as possible, especially what’s unique about it (if there is something)
• Reveal the interesting thing about the character’s circumstance (job, disability, whatever)
• Raise a question in the reader (but don’t answer it)
• Create conflict that shows what the character wants
• Show character in a conflict that depicts their problem or suffering
• Write a first line that establishes ONE THING (and only one thing) for the reader
• Establish mystery or conflict in the first chapter
• Use strong, unique…

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How Tolkien’s War Experience Shaped His Work

Nicholas C. Rossis

In my last post, I described how Winnie the Pooh may be seen as Milne’s attempt to describe his PTSD to his son. However, the Battle of the Somme affected more than one famous author. J.R.R. Tolkien was also there, and his experience shaped his work, as another one of Eric Milzarski’s articles on We Are The Mighty explains.

In June 1916, the newly commissioned lieutenant kissed his newly married wife goodbye as he boarded the transport to Calais, France. Come July 1st, one of thebloodiest battlesin human history took place near the Somme River. That day, his closest friend was killed and Tolkien forever changed.

Shouldering the burden of leadership and the ever-looming threat of death, by disease or the enemy, Tolkien carried on until Trench Fever sent him home ten days before the dust settled. Deemed no longer medically fit for service, Tolkien returned to his passion:

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