Do you write your first scene over and over, trying to get it just right? But it just never feels like you’re nailing it?
Many writers spend way too much time on their opening scene without considering how the beginning scene relates to the main character’s entire arc of change.
They obsessively rewrite the first scene without considering how it relates to the final scene.
There’s a relationship between your first scenes and your final scenes.
To take the reader on the journey along with your character, you want to craft your opening and ending scenes with each other in mind.
In this episode, we’ll look at the relationship between your first scenes and your final scenes, and how to write both.
Download as an MP3 by right-clicking here and choosing “save as.”
Episode at a glance:
[02:55] Your first scenes
Your first scenes are the entry point to your story. And they bear the most responsibility. They create reader expectations about what might happen, what the conflict is, who the antagonist is, and what the story’s about.
Most important, first scenes position your character emotionally at the beginning of the story so readers can see the transformation at the end.
[04:58] Your opening scene introduces your protagonist’s story problem. Don’t give too much away. Just start to hint at the trouble that’s yet to come.
[15:56] Your first scenes create expectations.
I’ll show you an example of how Margaret Atwood’s opening scene in Cat’s Eye makes us want to read more, with a breakdown of 5 things your first scenes should accomplish.
[18:09] Final Scenes
Your final scenes bring the story full circle by reflecting elements from your first scene. Here’s where you bring mirror images from your first scenes to show your main character’s internal transformation.
[25:43] Learn a powerful exercise to see the relationship between first and final scenes.
Link mentioned in this episode:
Cat’s Eye by Margaret Atwood
Also listen to:
185: Your Opening Scenes: What To Reveal, What To Withhold:
Rate, Review, and Follow on Apple Podcasts.
“I love Writer Unleashed!” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show. This helps me support more writers — just like you —to bring the story burning in their imagination onto the page. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. It’s chock full of writing tips and inspiration every Tuesday. Follow now!