An Experiment in Writing – Part 7: Inciting Incidents

an interesting person in an interesting place doing an interesting thing

I’m reviewing a young writer’s work and, although nicely written, wasn’t engaged by it – at least not as engaged as I want to be to read a complete novel. This is (for me) the #1 reason I reject something as Senior Fiction Editor of Wilderness House – no inciting incident

What is an “inciting incident” and what makes a good one?

I’m reading this because…?

 
Traditionally, an “inciting incident” is the “why is this happening?” of a story, the one thing which must happen for the rest of the story to happen.

I broaden that out a bit. Inciting incidents answer the reader’s question “I’m reading this because…?” That question is answered with “Have an interesting person in an interesting place doing an interesting thing.” You can have two of the three and still have a good opening. You can have one but it’s got to be incredibly strong for the reader to continue.

 
Think I’m on to something? Take a class with me or schedule a critique of your work.
Think I’m an idiot? Let me know in a comment.
Either way, we’ll both learn something.

And go buy my books so you can follow along!

Unraveling Mystery, Metaphysics, and Romance – Snippet 2 “Real Life is Convoluted”

I recently had the good fortune to be interviewed by Betsy Wurzel, host of Chatting with Betsy, and you’ll be shocked to learn we talked about Unraveling Mystery, Metaphysics, and Romance.

Okay, we pretty much talked about my latest novel, Search, with some brief forays into my other works.

Today’s snippet deals with how honoring the convolutions of real life in one’s work.

Enjoy!

 

Unraveling Mystery, Metaphysics, and Romance – Snippet 1 “What made you write this book?”

I recently had the good fortune to be interviewed by Betsy Wurzel, host of Chatting with Betsy, and you’ll be shocked to learn we talked about Unraveling Mystery, Metaphysics, and Romance.

Okay, we pretty much talked about my latest novel, Search, with some brief forays into my other works.

Today’s snippet deals with how Search came about (it was an outgrowth of The Shaman

Enjoy!

 
#ChattingwithBetsy
#PWTR

My newest novel, “Search”, is available in Print and Kindle

My newest novel, “Search”, is available in Print and Kindle

  • First, my newest novel, Search, is available on Kindle and in print.
  • Second, from 8 Jan to 31 Jan 2024 Search will be on promo (99¢ Kindle, $12.99 Print). Be sure to get a copy for yourself, several copies to give as gifts over the coming year, and tell everyone you know it’s available and it’s a great read!

The rest of this email contains Search early reader comments (which are front matter in the book) and a blurb.

<BEGIN HYPE>
Early Reader Comments
“Carrabis knocks another one right out of the park!”

“Once again Carrabis takes us on a wild ride wondering how he’ll bring it all together. Never fear, he does and in grand style.”

“Gio’s soliloquy about the use of power is something every industrialist, every government official, every religious leader needs to read.”

“Carrabis pens a gritty paranormal psychological thriller that keeps you in your seat until you’ve turned the last page.”

“Go ahead, pick a genre. Carrabis covers them all: paranormal, fantasy, thriller, true crime, magic realism, … If you know the world is more than you can see, you’ll love this one.”

“Characters intertwine and grow in unexpected ways, especially ways that show a balance in all things; Great Gifts often bring Great Loss. It hurts you as a reader to see it happen on the page. That’s good storytelling.”

“Much like in his The InheritorsCarrabis poses great philosophical questions in the guise of understandable, believable characters. Amazing!”

“Carrabis’ Search proves that power need not corrupt, and absolute power need not corrupt absolutely.”

Blurb
Search details one of the most tumultuous period’s in The Shaman‘s Gio “John Chance” Fortuna’s life. In college and having spent most of his life avoiding his grandfather’s trainings, he finds himself called to remember and practice his grandfather’s ancient ways to save children from human monsters.

But every step into The Old Ways drives a wedge between Gio and Jess, the woman he loves and wants to spend his life with. Originally relishing the idea of her own personal Superman, she grows increasingly fearful each time Gio manifests an ability beyond her comprehension.

And when both he and Jess realize he can use his grandfather’s teachings to force Jess’ to spend her life with him without her knowing he’s done so? Even though doing so violates everything he’s ever been taught?

Gio realizes being able to do anything doesn’t mean he can do everything, and that the strongest bonds on us are those we place on ourselves.

Content Advisory: Search contains graphic scenes of sex and violence.
<END HYPE>

Rob and Joan Carter’s MEET THE AUTHOR interview Snippet 12 – The Shaman and more

I mentioned Rob and John Carter and I chatting on their MEET THE AUTHOR show in previous blog posts.

This is post #12 in a series of thirteen snippets taken from the full interview video. You can also listen to the interview via podcast

Today’s snippet deals with my upcoming novels beyond the science fantasy The Inheritors. These include the urban-fantasy The Shaman (September 2023 release), an urban fantasy follow up to The Shaman isolating one event in the protagonist’s life and entitled Search (December 2023 release), the medieval murder mystery Tag (March 2024 release), the science fantasy Wounded Healers (June 2024 release) and more.


Enjoy!