Instructors sometimes tell us that without conflict, we have no story. While that’s true, it’s important to understand why.
A sword fight has plenty of action and conflict, but it isn’t a story unless readers care about the hero and fear that the villain will win. A car wreck becomes more than news only when we feel the pain for those who are injured.
This is why it’s important to understand what makes readers care. The SCOOP acronym will help you identify the important elements that keep readers turning the pages. We must have a Situation containing a Character with an Objective, facing Obstacles under a Plight that makes the outcome a matter of life and death.
If the events don’t result in a change in our hero, then readers feel little change in themselves and the story has little value. Therefore, you need to know how each scene is essential to show the character’s Insight along the way and Transformation at the end.
Since a happily-ever-after ending is realistically followed by a new challenge, you’ll benefit in thinking about what comes next, the Unresolved Problem.
Make a quick list of those items before you start your story. It’s the simplest approach to outlining that you’ll ever find.
For more information about the SCOOP IT UP acronym, Click Here.
