Crafting Powerful Openings: In Media Res vs. Wide-Lens Beginnings in Your Writing

Writer Spark: Business, Creativity, and the Craft of Writing

Episode 29

Episode Highlights:

• Mastering the Art of Beginnings: In this craft-focused episode of The WriterSpark Podcast, we explore different techniques for starting your book, scene, or chapter. The way you open your story can set the tone for the entire narrative, making it crucial to choose the right approach. We delve into two popular methods: starting in media res (in the middle of the action) and beginning with a wide-lens view that establishes the world and setting before zooming in on the characters and plot.
• Analyzing Movie Openings: Have you ever noticed how many movies begin with a wide-angle view of the world in which the story takes place? We’ll take a closer look at some classic examples, such as Star Wars, Episode IV, and how they set the stage for the story that follows. Understanding how filmmakers use these techniques can help you apply similar strategies to your writing.
• Book Examples and More: We also discuss how these opening techniques are used in books like Flour in the Attic, Ender's Game, Murder in Devil's Cove, Pleating for Mercy, Kneaded to Death, and Gone with the Wind. Learn how these authors effectively draw readers into their stories from the very first page.
• Resources for Writers: If you’re looking to hone your writing skills even further, check out the Ready, Set, WRITE! self-paced writing course, which offers additional tips and exercises for crafting compelling narratives.

Get Inspired:

The opening of your story is your first opportunity to hook your readers and set the tone for what’s to come. By experimenting with different techniques like in media res and wide-lens beginnings, you can create powerful openings that immediately engage your audience. This episode will inspire you to think critically about how you start your chapters and scenes, giving you the tools to make your writing more dynamic and effective.

A QUICK LOOK AT MOVIES, BOOKS, and COURSES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

• Star Wars, Episode IV
• Flour in the Attic (https://amzn.to/3pQZxpN)
• Ender's Game (https://amzn.to/46W3P02)

• Murder in Devil's Cove (Pippin Lane Hawthorne) (https://amzn.to/3raRg0q)

• Pleating for Mercy (Harlow Cassidy/Magical Dressmaking Mysteries) (https://bit.ly/MagicalDressmakingMysteries)
• Kneaded to Death (https://amzn.to/3tQCLNE)
• Gone with the Wind (https://amzn.to/3Dg50JU)
• 30 Days to Craft Your Novel Self-paced writing course

• How to Begin Your Book or Scene
• In Media Res Writing Technique
• Wide-Lens Openings in Fiction
• Crafting Effective Story Openings
• Writing Powerful Beginnings
• Star Wars Opening Scene Analysis
• Examples of In Media Res in Books
• Wide-Angle View in Storytelling
• WriterSpark Podcast Writing Tips
• Ready Set WRITE! Writing Course

Resources

• WriterSpark Online Courses: Learn more about our online courses! Enroll Now!
• Sign up for the WriterSpark newsletter: https://writersparkacademy.com/newslettersignup/
• WriterSpark Website: http://writersparkacademy.com
• Learn more about the host, Melissa Bourbon: http://melissabourbon.com
• Subscribe to WriterSpark on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnKN2ZVZwjoAOeHlBO-cRIw/videos
• Follow WriterSpark on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheWriterSpark
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheWriterSpark
• Instagram: http://instagram.com/bookishly_cozy & http://instagram.com/writer_spark

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Thank you for tuning in! Keep sparking your creativity and igniting your passion for writing. Happy writing!

Y'all, there are some great podcasts for writers out there. Check them out to continue learning:

Essential Guide to Writing a Novel with James Thayer

Fiction Writing Made Easy Podcast with Savannah Gilbo

Master Fiction Writing with Stuart Wakefield

Writing Fiction 101 with A. N. Writer

Fiction Author Business School with Liesel K. Hill

The Shit No One Tells You About Writing with Bianca Marais, Carly Watters and CeCe Lyra

Note: Some of the links here may be affiliates so I may earn a small amount from them. This doesn't impact you at all.