 Action/Adventure: July 26, 2023 Issue [#12078] |
This week: Come Out Of the Gate At Full Speed Edited by: NaNoNette  
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Come Out Of the Gate At Full Speed
Action stories and novels should start with action. Right there in the first sentences, there should be something happening. The main character, and, if needed, a couple of supporting characters should have a harrowing experience. The scene does not need to give away the main plot line. The beginning is designed to help the reader understand the main character's behaviors and mannerisms through the actions necessary to get out of the current situation.
Ideas for action-packed opening scenes:
 Someone nearly drowns.
There is an explosion.
A burglar climbs into a window.
Cars chasing through narrow roads.
A narrow escape from a burning/collapsing building.
The phone rings.
There are obviously no limits to the action that happens during the opening scene. You are the creator.
Aside from introducing your main character, the opening scene can help to set up the main conflict. Rather than show the whole world at once, give a glimpse at the chaos by describing that scene fully. Let it develop and let the main character get out of it before you go into background story details.
If you are okay with non-linear storytelling, you can also pull the climax to the front. Instead of going into denouement afterward, you rewind the storyline to the events leading up to the inciting incident. Although the reader has witnessed the story's highpoint in terms of action, there are still many facets to explore. The reader will want to find out how the protagonists got into the situation.
At some point in the story, the plot-line reconnects and instead of now bogging down the story with an action scene, you can describe the denouement or add a new roadblock to the story that the heroes have to overcome.
What is your best starting sentence in one of your action/adventure stories or novels? |
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Replies to my last Action/Adventure newsletter "The Rogue" that asked Do you think the Rogue is a good character or an evil character?
Nobody’s Home  wrote: The Rogue is a good character, since their actions are helpful to the cause and they aren't out to intentionally hurt anyone. Usually (in my opinion) the Rogue is a recognizable figure and the hero usually knows what they're getting into when they accept the Rogue's help. –– I like that you've asked that we as writers honor the Rogue by setting them free when their part in a story is done. I need a Rogue in my (story's) life. 
I too like the Rogue as a character. They are useful, but can easily get cycled out of the plot to return the focus to the main character(s).
BIG BAD WOLF Feeling Thankful  wrote: Sometimes a Rogue employs skills other than brute force, such as being very talkative. "Short Stories and poems"
Good one! I did not think of that.
Monty  wrote: The Rogue can be either one.
Very true.
Graham B.  wrote: One of the best rogue characters I've read in recent times is the titular character in The Lies of Locke Lamora, by Scott Lynch. If I'm going by the D&D alignment chart I would say that a rogue would generally be of neutral alignment.
I'm putting The Lies of Locke Lamora on my reading list. I agree that the rogue is a neutral character in role-playing games. |
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