From the course: Writing: The Craft of Story
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Story check: Setups, payoffs, and the clues in between
From the course: Writing: The Craft of Story
Story check: Setups, payoffs, and the clues in between
- We know that every setup must have a corresponding well-earned payoff. So as you come through your story, here are a few handy questions to ask. First, are there any inadvertent setups hiding in your story? Are you sure nothing whispers, implies, or suggests setup without actually meaning it? If there is, cut it out. Remember, an if without a then becomes an elephant roaming the halls of your story, diverting attention from what's really important. Second, is there a road from your setup to your payoff? Are you absolutely sure you never tell us about a problem at the very instant it's being solved? Remember, the reader won't care it's been solved unless they know what it cost the protagonist, both emotionally and logistically, to arrive at the solution, because that's where the tension, anticipation, and suspense come from. Third, are there clues along the road from setup to payoff? Make sure you aren't assuming that the reader will…
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