I've read a lot of books on writing. Yours are always the most digestible, easy to process and keep me coming back. Please keep doing what you're doing!
I remember an interview with Louis L'Amour on Fresh Air with Terry Gross back in the 70s. They were talking about his writing practice and discipline. He said he writes 5 pages per day no matter what, starting early in the morning and finishing by lunch time, and ending in the middle of a paragraph so he always has the pump primed for starting the next morning. There was one exception to his 5 pages per day rule, and that was spending as much as two weeks on the opening sentence, first paragraph, and first page. He said there was so much competition for the attention of the reader - they have jobs, kids, hobbies, lawns to mow, dogs to walk - a thousand things they might be doing other than reading one of his books. But, he said, "...if they are standing in line waiting for the cashier in the grocery store, and they pick one of my books up off the stand next to the counter, and they read that first sentence? I got em! it's too late. They'll buy that book." And I never forgot that. You are saying essentially the same thing. Good on ya. Thanks for all you do. 🙂
Wonderful video, Katie. With everything else going on in my life, I’m starting to write a new novel, so your thoughts here were valuable. I’ve always been a heavy plotter, but recently have been able to finish by opening the paints and making that empty canvas unclean as soon as possible, without knowing what the final version will look like. However, a lot of what you say about dialogue or movement is on the forefront of my creativity. I just seldom articulate it as well as you. Keep these terrific videos coming.
I have read your book Storming. Loved it. Read tour book Creating Character arcs. So eye opening. I appreciate what your putting out in the world and thank u for doing so
Thanks for this repetition. Her lie is that you never associate with bad people. She just ruined everything by associating against her better judgment with a devil and she too-blithely calls her up again for help. It's logical to do it but it should be so easy.
Thank you so much, Katie. As always, your guidance is invaluable! I realize this video is over six months old, and perhaps you won't see this question, but I'm giving it a shot. :) With these ways to introduce a character at the beginning, do you recommend we try to do it ALL of the ways you suggest? Or should we pick one or two ways to do it? If you explained it in the video, please forgive my question. Thanks again!
It is certainly possible to incorporate most if not all of these methods into a single introduction. Many of the best stories select openings that multitask in this way. However, it's not necessary. This isn't a must-have checklist that you have to knock out--more just an observation of how stories can introduce characters in the richest and most impactful way possible.
I typically begin a story by introducing the main character, delving into their internal struggles, and offering just enough background information to illustrate why they are the person they are at the story's outset. This approach has proven effective for me as a ghostwriter, as I've crafted 34 novels for clients since 2009.
Can anyone tell me if this is normal . There's a writer friend of mine who's got this peculiar talent to write a story (in this case a short story) given just a few prompts. I gave him a single sentence, "a middle age man living in house with a female ghost". He wrote this four thousand word story that was so fascinating, and he did it without any plot outline. He did it in a few hours. I was watching him write it, since i was the one who challenged him. The story turned out to be a hit in our circle of buddies, and we're trying to get him to publish it. It was superb even before editing. What i want to know is whether this is something remarkable in the sense he should attempt to publish the stuff he writes? What is there that we can tell him to get him on this wagon? Any comment would be appreciated. thx in advance.
What determines the appropriate level of character description? I have a character who is of typical college age, but aside from that I really don't care what he looks like - it just isn't that important to the story. I'm capable of more detail, but without it being story relevant it seems pedantic.
Hi K.M. Great advice as usual, but my story begins with the hunting and murder of a woman who owes gangsters drug money. In chapter 2, there's the court case (linked to her murder) and my protagonist shows up at the beginning of chapter 3. He's a recently divorced (still loves his ex-wife & tries to win her back), professional stuntman who is hired by a criminal friend to extort money & exact revenge on the crime boss who authorised the woman's murder. I'm not sticking to the general rules, but does this method seem fluid enough to keep you and potential readers interested?
Unless the chapters are very short, Chapter 3 might be pushing it for a protagonist introduction. There are exceptions where this works, but you have to be sure the plot hooks are strong enough to pull readers through until they reach the protagonist. My recommendation is always to introduce the protagonist as soon as possible. Frame the plot with character to set up the stakes and give readers a reason to care.
![Kodak Black - Versatile 4 [Official Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/VcP_1Ua__vY/mqdefault.jpg)
I've read a lot of books on writing. Yours are always the most digestible, easy to process and keep me coming back. Please keep doing what you're doing!
Pure gold. And perfect timing for where I am in my journey. Thank you!!!!
I remember an interview with Louis L'Amour on Fresh Air with Terry Gross back in the 70s. They were talking about his writing practice and discipline. He said he writes 5 pages per day no matter what, starting early in the morning and finishing by lunch time, and ending in the middle of a paragraph so he always has the pump primed for starting the next morning. There was one exception to his 5 pages per day rule, and that was spending as much as two weeks on the opening sentence, first paragraph, and first page. He said there was so much competition for the attention of the reader - they have jobs, kids, hobbies, lawns to mow, dogs to walk - a thousand things they might be doing other than reading one of his books. But, he said, "...if they are standing in line waiting for the cashier in the grocery store, and they pick one of my books up off the stand next to the counter, and they read that first sentence? I got em! it's too late. They'll buy that book." And I never forgot that. You are saying essentially the same thing. Good on ya. Thanks for all you do. 🙂
Thank you for this and for your books. They’ve helped me so much.
Excellent tutorial, K.M. Thanks for sharing.
thank for blessing this world with u r books !
Hey! Just recently picked up one of your books and found your channel. Love listening to all your insights as i’m working on my screenplay 🙏🏼
Thank you. First chapters are my favorites though. I feel so free, it's feels exciting for me.
Great content! So much there at stake in the beginning, like 10 Lbs of potatoes in a 5Lb sack.
Great video! I've started my first two chapters, and the timing is serendipitous😊. Ty.
This is great! I find starting a story is the hardest for me!
Amazing! Thanks so much for all your content!
Wonderful video, Katie. With everything else going on in my life, I’m starting to write a new novel, so your thoughts here were valuable. I’ve always been a heavy plotter, but recently have been able to finish by opening the paints and making that empty canvas unclean as soon as possible, without knowing what the final version will look like. However, a lot of what you say about dialogue or movement is on the forefront of my creativity. I just seldom articulate it as well as you. Keep these terrific videos coming.
Great discussion, thank you!
Thank you H.R.Alvarez
Always great stuff
Thanks for all your great advice
I have read your book Storming. Loved it. Read tour book Creating Character arcs. So eye opening. I appreciate what your putting out in the world and thank u for doing so
Thanks. I have read "The Wayfarer." Writing is complex.
I just discovered your channel today. I really your tone your clarity.
Thank you!
Thanks
Thanks for this repetition.
Her lie is that you never associate with bad people. She just ruined everything by associating against her better judgment with a devil and she too-blithely calls her up again for help. It's logical to do it but it should be so easy.
Thank you so much, Katie. As always, your guidance is invaluable!
I realize this video is over six months old, and perhaps you won't see this question, but I'm giving it a shot. :)
With these ways to introduce a character at the beginning, do you recommend we try to do it ALL of the ways you suggest? Or should we pick one or two ways to do it?
If you explained it in the video, please forgive my question.
Thanks again!
It is certainly possible to incorporate most if not all of these methods into a single introduction. Many of the best stories select openings that multitask in this way. However, it's not necessary. This isn't a must-have checklist that you have to knock out--more just an observation of how stories can introduce characters in the richest and most impactful way possible.
@@KMWeilandAuthor Thank you very much. Makes perfect sense. I appreciate your time.
I typically begin a story by introducing the main character, delving into their internal struggles, and offering just enough background information to illustrate why they are the person they are at the story's outset. This approach has proven effective for me as a ghostwriter, as I've crafted 34 novels for clients since 2009.
Can anyone tell me if this is normal . There's a writer friend of mine who's got this peculiar talent to write a story (in this case a short story) given just a few prompts. I gave him a single sentence, "a middle age man living in house with a female ghost". He wrote this four thousand word story that was so fascinating, and he did it without any plot outline. He did it in a few hours. I was watching him write it, since i was the one who challenged him. The story turned out to be a hit in our circle of buddies, and we're trying to get him to publish it. It was superb even before editing. What i want to know is whether this is something remarkable in the sense he should attempt to publish the stuff he writes? What is there that we can tell him to get him on this wagon? Any comment would be appreciated. thx in advance.
What determines the appropriate level of character description? I have a character who is of typical college age, but aside from that I really don't care what he looks like - it just isn't that important to the story. I'm capable of more detail, but without it being story relevant it seems pedantic.
Relevance is always important. Sketching just a few pertinent details is often just as effective as lengthier descriptions.
Hi K.M. Great advice as usual, but my story begins with the hunting and murder of a woman who owes gangsters drug money. In chapter 2, there's the court case (linked to her murder) and my protagonist shows up at the beginning of chapter 3. He's a recently divorced (still loves his ex-wife & tries to win her back), professional stuntman who is hired by a criminal friend to extort money & exact revenge on the crime boss who authorised the woman's murder. I'm not sticking to the general rules, but does this method seem fluid enough to keep you and potential readers interested?
Unless the chapters are very short, Chapter 3 might be pushing it for a protagonist introduction. There are exceptions where this works, but you have to be sure the plot hooks are strong enough to pull readers through until they reach the protagonist. My recommendation is always to introduce the protagonist as soon as possible. Frame the plot with character to set up the stakes and give readers a reason to care.
@@KMWeilandAuthor Thanks for the guidance. I'll adapt the story and find a way to introduce him in the second chapter.
Yes "SO much" but KMW shows the forest.
Abattoir of action, butcher of plot
Great content but please move the mic out of the way. it is totally distracting.