My Thoughts on the Inciting Incident

All rights go to its rightful owner

"A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step." ~ Chinese Proverb

While I was in the writing program, I had the opportunity to read Syd Field's The Foundation of Screenplays. That book made quite a lot of sense to me but it doesn't "click" until one puts it into action.

Take the inciting incident. Why exactly is it important?

I know I asked that question when I read the book the first time and even did my research to get the opinions of other writers. But after I started noticing it in other scripts (and my own) I knew why. Sure, my way of describing the inciting incident might not be as lengthy, but I think it makes sense.

The best way to describe the inciting incident is by comparing it to a domino effect. Before the dominos begin to fall something has to hit the first domino. It's that first incident that sets the story into motion.

For example:

If my story is about a guy who gets into this one unexpected adventure after he gets to prison, I need to figure out what made him land in prison in the first place. And that's the inciting incident. 

It doesn't have to be a big event, it has to be that one thing that changes my protagonist life (for better or worse).

As writers we learn from trial and error.

But we also have to help each other out. Which is why I wanted to write about the inciting incident. It may not sound as much, but it will make the story flow like it should.

Oh, and if you haven't read any of Syd Field's books you should. But that's a personal recommendation.

Till next time,

Eva

Where I Practice with Scene Headings

FADE IN:

EXT. OUTDOOR MALL - AFTERNOON

The RAIN has caught some SHOPPERS off guard; others pull their umbrellas out. One YOUNG WOMAN is not even aware of it. All she is doing is walking with no real direction. Her name is CHLOE, 30, pretty and a sweetheart, someone that goes by self-help books.

We FOLLOW Chloe until she stops in front of a jewelry store. Her hand covers the ring on the window with great emotion.

CHLOE (V.O.)

Michael!

She closes her eyes.

FLASHBACK - EXT. NAVAL BASE - MORNING

MICHAEL, 23, attractive and caring, someone that gives his all to his partner turns and sees Chloe running towards him, ready to leap. He places his bag on the ground and catches her.

MICHAEL

God, Chloe. I missed you.

Chloe giggles as she is being twirl.

MICHAEL (CONT’D)

I’m sorry it took longer than expected.

CHLOE

No, it’s fine. You’re here now. That’s all that matters.

Michael puts her down and passionately kisses her.

EXT. OUTDOOR MALL - AFTERNOON (BACK TO PRESENT)

Through the reflection from the window WE SEE Chloe’s tears.

FADE OUT:

So what do you think happened?

Scene headings have always been a bit challenging for me, so with practice, it will get there. Any feedback is always welcome.

Yes, there's more to this short scene. Let me know if you want the rest.


Till next time,

Eva

Where I Come to Realize

Credit to creator

" The human mind always makes progress, 

but it is a progress in spirals." ~Germaine De Stael

A few weeks ago I was fortunate to land a job, which means I can pay my bills and go on with my life. And no, it's not a writing job...

Now lately I've been neglecting my writing (I've been trying to get the hang of things at work), but today there was this small incident that made me realize how much I want to write for a living.

And this is when I came to realize that I need to push myself more.

After all, I believe everything that happens to us can helps us achieve our ultimate goal, whatever that might be. So during lunchtime I decided to start working on a few loglines for a contest I've been contemplating on.

The way I see it is, we as people tend to become comfortable doing or being in a particular spot that we tend to forget what we really are after. Which is why being reminded  is always a good thing.

So remember that.

Till next time,

Eva

Where She Revisits an Old Tale

"Learn as though you would never be able to master it; 

hold it as though you would be in fear of losing it."~ Confucius

Now that I have quite an amount of time to spare, I have decided to go back to the basics. As I've mentioned before, the script I created for school will be rewritten from scratch and be told by another character. I believe it will work better that way, but before I do such a thing there is something I want to revisit...

The Hero with a Thousand Faces is the book that takes the protagonist piece by piece. It's a book that lets us understand the hero. Quite frankly I need to reread it. I need to understand the hero and study it. Just because I finished school doesn't mean I stop learning.

In a way it has become a goal of mine as a writer and student.

Till next time,

Eva