Yesterday, we talked about the considerations that go into crafting Chapter 2 of your novel. To see an application of these considerations, read Kenzie’s scene: Chapter 2.Scene 2.Kenzie with SMW Comments
Here’s a checklist for you as you craft your chapter:
Chapter 2 is The Great Debate.
- Have I anchored my reader into the scene with enough storyworld/facts?
- Have I recapped what happened so far, to remind the reader of the danger?
- What are the choices before your character?
- What will each choice cost them?
- What is at stake for the POV character? (IOW: what will happen if they don’t act?)
- Why should they act?
- Why shouldn’t they?
- What is the best choice, and what is their motivation behind choosing that? (IOW: hint at their backstory just enough to establish motivation, but not so much that you give the story away. )
- Have you raised more questions with the backstory?
- Have you hinted at the story question/theme of the book?
- Have you layered in emotion through the use of verbs and nouns and figurative elements?
- Has your character made a clear decision by the end of the scene?
If you’ve accomplished all this, then you’re POV character is ready for Chapter 3!
Next week we’ll dissect Luke’s Chapter 2 Scene, and the Meeting of the Hero/Heroine.
If you’re going to the ACFW Conference, stop by the MBT Booth and say hi! (and I hope to see you at the Pizza Party!)
Susie May
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