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The danger of setting up your story

Don’t wait for your story to start. It already has.

David Gane
David Gane

Writers often get confused when thinking about their story’s setup. They believe the story hasn’t begun until the catalyst or the inciting incident. Their characters are going about their day, doing nothing while waiting for the big story moment to happen.

But your character already wants something before your story begins and is taking action towards it. They may even be in conflict and struggling to achieve that want.

So when you introduce your characters, please show us what they are struggling with. Show them in conflict. What do they want? What actions are they taking? What is the response?

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David Gane

David Gane Twitter

Co-writer of the Shepherd and Wolfe young adult mysteries, the internationally award-winning series, and teacher of storytelling and screenwriting.

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