First, thanks to those who expressed sympathy over my computer. Good news – I recovered my files! That said, onward to blogging …
I’ve always loved radio legend Paul Harvey’s “The Rest of the Story.” Each show begins with an enticing event and ends with an unsuspecting twist. Yesterday, when I learned of his passing away, I reflected on Mr. Harvey and these segments. What could I learn from them as a writer?
Lesson #1: The show’s opening always snagged the audience with an interesting tidbit.
Application #1: Every chapter deserves a good hook.
Lesson #2: The audience never knew who Mr. Harvey was talking about.
Application #2: Divulge only the details necessary to keep the story moving.
Lesson #3: A commercial always broke just as your interest in the story climaxed.
Application #3: Chapter breaks and scene switches can be a good thing.
Lesson #4: I always felt satisfied at the conclusion of the segment because the surprise of the ending equaled the suspense created at the story’s opening.
Application #4: A thriller book needs a thriller ending.
And that, folks, is the rest of the story …
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I struggle with switched when the story gets exciting. I have a tendency to get off track with my plot.
ReplyDeleteWhich is great because now I know what to work on in revisions!
Aye, PJ. Me, too!
ReplyDeleteInteresting lessons...
ReplyDeleteThanks, Barrie. Granted, maybe a couple are a stretch, but I do love THE REST OF THE STORY, and these thoughts really did come to mind. Now, if I can only remember what I learn ...
ReplyDelete