Novel Kicks Writing Room: Plot Challenge – Inciting Incident

Published May 6, 2026 | By Laura

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.

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Laura

I'm Laura. I started Novel Kicks back in 2009 as I wanted a place to discuss books and writing - two loves of my life. As someone who has anxiety, these two things give me, and I am sure countless others, a much needed escape.
There is a monthly book club, writing exercises, prompts, reviews, author interviews, competitions and guest posts. I cover many genres and I hope there is something for everyone.
I grew up by the sea in Dorset and currently live in Poole with my husband, Chris and three cats. I love writing and have a BA (Hons) in Creative Writing from Falmouth University. I am writing my first book. If only I could stop pressing delete. Chris has threatened to stop it from working. Haha.
I have always loved creative writing since I was in first school and would very much like to meet my teacher, Miss Sayers, to say thank you for all the encouragement she gave me then.
When not writing, I love reading, cats, Disney, singing (I can't sing but this doesn't stop me,) and falling into a good TV show or film. If I could step into any fictional world, it would be amongst the characters in ABC's Once Upon a Time.
I love reading many genres and discovering new authors.

Novel Kicks Writing Room: Plot Challenge – Inciting Incident

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