A is for Action

My theme for the A to Z challenge this year, is Storytelling. I'll be writing posts on what I think you need to create a good story; the posts will vary from basics that all writers use in their stories, to themes/tropes that I love to see in stories that I read, and that I use when I write.



A is for Action

No good story exists without some kind of action taking place. Action keeps the plot moving; if there's no action, there's no story.

There are small actions, like a conversation between characters that moves the story from one scene to the next, and then there are the bigger actions, like the inciting incident, that pushes the story into its next stage.

Basically, if there's no action in your story, the reader will get bored. Every single scene in a story needs to move the plot on in some way; if it doesn't, it needs to be cut.

The action needs to start right on the first page; you need to hook your reader straight away, throw them straight into the action so they want to keep reading.

Comments

  1. Hi Laura ... oh yes the story has to keep moving ... A for action definitely ... and thanks for your visit ... cheers Hilary

    A - Z Challenge 2017 post today is

    Aurochs

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  2. Action is indeed important. I've been trying to think of an example where someone has tried to defy that in literature, but I can't, I don't think it's possible to tell a story without action, even it they're all small actions.

    Sophie
    Sophie's Thoughts & Fumbles - Dragon Diaries

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  3. Action is very important, and it is so hard to write for me, but I keep trying and keep learning. Keeping in mind that all senses need to be engaged is key for me!

    ¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*¨)
    (¸.•´ (¸.•` ¤ Good luck on the rest of your A to Z challenge

    Sylvia @ The Creative Life

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  4. Hi. I agree. If not physical action, something going on in the character's head. Good reminder!
    "Female Scientists Before Our Time"
    Shells–Tales–Sails

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  5. Action can come in many forms, but you're right - if it doesn't advance the story then it needs to go. This will be a great series!

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  6. That's very true. I've read a few books where I've found myself thinking 'why is this even part of the story? This doesn't need to be here'. That's a sure sign that it needs some serious editing. :-)

    Cait @ Click's Clan

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  7. Ah yes Action I do like a bit of action in my A to Z's and I have definitely lost the plot . . . . . . . . And nice to see you in cyberspace again Miss Laura, I have been rather busy
    Rob Z Tobor

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  8. This is going to be a great series, Laura. A is for action, indeed. Thanks for signing up for WEP!

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  9. Ah yes! When I began writing I didn't know the whole "make every scene count" bit of the writing craft. I wrote a LOT of useless scenes in those early days. Thanks for the tip!
    Visiting my "A" post here: https://lydiahowe.com/2017/04/01/a-is-for-acting-atozchallenge-2017/

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  10. Laura, thanks for stopping by and saying hello! Good luck with the A to Z Challenge.

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  11. I like that you include conversations as action, which isn't where my mind goes when one says "action". (I'm thinking more along the lines of 'splosions). But you're right, it is action. And important action, too. Happy A to Z! :)

    A to Z 2017: Magical and Medicinal Herbs

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