Welcome back to the Novel Kicks Writing Room and the Plot Challenge.

Over the next few weeks, we will be focusing on plotting a piece of fiction, one task at a time.

These will potentially help you master plot structure by writing all major plot points, then analysing how each element builds toward a cohesive story.

Task 2: Inciting Incident

Take your time with this. Aim to write between 500-750 words.

The purpose of this task is to disrupt your protagonist’s normal world and force them into the story.

Key questions to answer:

• What is the “before”? Show us normal life.
• What event breaks the normal life?
• Why can’t your protagonist ignore it?
• What question does this raise in the reader’s mind?

Write a scene (or brief sequence) that presents the disruption. End with your protagonist committed to action—whether they want to be or not.

Whilst writing, consider: 

• Have I shown the protagonist’s world before disruption?
• Is the inciting incident clear and unavoidable?
• Would a reader want to know what happens next?

Have some fun with this. I’d love to know how you got on in the comments.

Click here to view task one – story conception. 

by