Inciting Incident

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In this video, you'll learn what an inciting incident is, why it's important, and how to write one that keeps your readers on the edge of their seats.
This video discusses:
[00:46] What is an Inciting Incident?
[01:51] Using Inciting Incidents in Your Story
[03:03] 5 Traits of a Strong Inciting Incident
[04:49] Why You Need An Inciting Incident
[05:13] One Common Mistake
[05:29] Examples of Memorable Inciting Incidents
[06:29] 4 Tips for Writing an Effective Inciting Incident
[07:30] Strengthen Your Novel with a Compelling Inciting Incident
Jumpstart your writing journey with my complete (and free) novel-writing guide.
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Jerry Jenkins is the author of over 200 books, including 21 New York Times bestsellers. He’s passionate about helping writers grow to their full potential and have the best chance to see their writing published. Browse his archive of advice pulled from his nearly 50 years as a writer, editor, and publisher at www.jerryjenkins.com.
Become part of a community of writers like you on Jerry’s Facebook page: / jerry.b.jenkins

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Опубликовано:

29 июн 2024

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Комментарии : 96

@anthonyyoung8006 Год назад

The higher upload frequency is fantastic, you are doing an amazing job sharing your knowledge and have inspired me to begin writing, I can't imagine how many lives you've changed over the last 5 decades, something I'm striving for.

@reinstriver5432 Год назад

Hey Jerry! I just wanted to tell you I had joined your writers guild for about two months some time ago, I couldn't keep the sub up longer, but I learned a lot thanks to all your lessons and it's because to them that I won a novel competition last month! Thank you for providing such exceptional writing advice! You're phenomenal :>

@PatTimm Год назад

This video has reassured me I am on the right track with my inciting incident. 65k words in and now down toward the ending. About 75k words for this novel. You have helped me greatly with your videos. Keep them coming. You help insdpire me. Blessings!

@andreasboe4509 11 месяцев назад

Great advice. I think it explains the lack of satisfaction I have with the story I just finished.

@HellaBella Год назад

I binge watched all your videos when I first found your channel! You make writing make sense and I love your calm demeanor and delivery in the videos. So glad to see you’re posting again. As for this video, I can see that I had an inciting incident in my story, I just didn’t know it was called that! I always learn something from you. 🤓

@PeteAbagnele Год назад

Dear Jerry, Even though you might never read this comment, thank you so much for these useful tips for writers. I am about to finish my first novel and all the insights you gave us are very useful and meaningful. Helpful on this bumpy writing road. All the best and please continue to share these great videos !

@user-uk7eu8dd5n Год назад

I have added this video on "Inciting Incident" to a Google Form I created for students reading Peak by Roland Smith. Your insight and clarity of expression are superb. Thank you!

@gladiator_gamerbr6061 Год назад

this video helped me a lot. I am deep into writing my first novel, and i had to come up with two inciting incidents on the story, one that happens before the main events of the plot itself, and another that affects the protagonist and other characters. Hopefully i am doing it in a right way, thanks a lot for your help to beginners. Much appreciated.

@MrWayout55 Год назад

Mr. Jenkins, I am like a dry sponge drinking up every word you write. Thank You and I can't wait till your next video !

@BROKEN-PILOT Год назад

Jerry: Thank you so very much for sharing your expertise. If only I were not existing below the 138% threshold of poverty, I could afford your course. Your free insight helps and thanks, again. - James

@OneGoodIdea24 Год назад

Glad you included martian. I picked that book up and couldn't set it down

@barringtongilbert9230 10 месяцев назад

Just a massive THANK YOU for verbalising story writs so well

@rodraglin922 Год назад

Great information, succinctly delivered, but what I appreciate most is not once did you use your own work as an example.

@loyisomomoti2213 Год назад

On time, Jerry. This video is just what I need because I am just wrapping up my exposition.

@kellysimmerman8904 Год назад

Thanks Jerry! Great info here!

@malikalghul273 Год назад

Big fan of your work mr Jenkins keep up the good work!

@landonpraught9170 Год назад

Thank you, Jerry, I just need this I have started too wright my next novel this was a great help.

@wallywalrus2 Год назад

Just discovered this channel and it looks like a whole treasure trove of information. Thanks for making these videos!

@michalohindun81 Год назад

You are a gem and you know that. Thank you for sharing all your insights and knowledge with us, with me.

@ianbarr4716 Год назад

Jerry, thank you for this. Cheers.

@hristol7537 Год назад

Thank you, great video!

@nailsaggitarius4212 Год назад

very helpful thank you, Mr. Jenkins!!!

@juliet298 Год назад

Very helpful Jerry, thank you.

@lorettawilson9160 Год назад

I'M FINALLY UNDERSTANDING THANKS JERRY

@christopherbriscoe8665 Год назад

Thank you, Jerry, for that stella advice about producing a real page-turner. I will keep it in my mind.

@wewatchmovies4446 7 месяцев назад

I love your help and information. Thank you

@kamilla1960 Год назад

Thank you Jerry!

@aok1951 Год назад

Another great video. So helpful and so clearly explained. Your videos are so much appreciated. Thank you.

@hanawolde2506 Год назад

keep going Boss, i have learned a lot

@vincestevenson Год назад

Cheers Jerry, very useful. I'm a newbie, never really written fiction before. My heart's in it. Just need to find time to follow up. Thanks again.

@michaelvaughan8230 Год назад

Hi Jerry Packed full of very useful ideas,

@eimearlawlor4338 Год назад

Wow, so helpful. I've joined your mailing list.

@daltonstull1790 4 месяца назад

Thank you Jerry

@mohammadmahdi4915 Год назад

Thank you for you tips 😃👌

@JuicyHamburger 8 месяцев назад

I understand the sentiment but I'm not sure this would apply to many stories. "A River Runs Through It" is a story about fly fishing and boys growing into men, discovering their own paths, and connecting with family. I wouldn't say Earth-shattering, life or death incidents would have any place in these kinds of stories, so what should you do then?

@J.R.L. 2 месяца назад

I have planned most of the books in a series I want to write. But now I see I am missing a strong inciting incident for the first book. I have triggers for him to reach it, but I didn't properly connect my main character to the incident in a way that forces him to act. So thank you for the video.

@Princess_Ibeh Год назад

🙏🏼🤗❤️ Thank you so much

@pankhurikhanna-tl9zl 8 месяцев назад

Thank you sir 🙏🏻

@aaronchapa1117 Год назад

I love you jerry you saved my life

@driftwoodriverstone2751 Год назад

Thank you.

@Helloone996 Год назад

Great gREAT👍👍👍👍👍✌

@christinekaye6393 Год назад

I don't know what you think about this, but my inciting incident happens before the start of the story. From the first page, the main character is struggling to find a solution. Part of the tension in the story is finding out what set him on his course of action. The nature of the inciting incident is revealed, little by little, over the course of the first act. My beta readers said it kept them turning the pages.

@dominr2 3 месяца назад

Thank you

@joefawley9264 Год назад

Would love a video on sentence structure :)

@taradeleeuw2344 Месяц назад

Thanks

@gr8booksmore929 10 месяцев назад

Awesome

@ng1n369 Год назад

Long Live Jerry B. Jenkins

@cosmicprison9819 Год назад

I indeed always saw Hagrid telling Harry “you’re a wizard” as the inciting incident. But I also always knew that’s debatable, since there are other scenes in the story that qualify as potential candidates. I mainly looked into it to determine when in the story the inciting incident should appear - in Harry Potter’s case, on page 50. Which, for a novel that’s only about 300 pages long, is pretty late. What is the inciting incident of Harry Potter then, in your view? If it’s only once Hagrid tells him about Voldemort, that would be even *later* than the famous “you are a wizard, Harry”.

@miazivkovic9187 Год назад

Thank you Mr. Jerry, this was so helpful!

@bkjackson8092 Год назад

I would appreciate thoughts/comments on inciting incident specifically as it relates to writing cozy mysteries. I believe I understand the application of the inciting incident for stand alone story ideas that I have for historical fiction, for example. But I struggle with the concept of inciting incident specifically with cozy mysteries. Of those which I have read, the protag is not a policeman or detective. They do something else for a livelihood and casually stumble into a mystery of some sort so they have no real personal stake, they just tend to be inquisitive. So I have problems understanding how inciting incident is used with regard to cozy mystery, since at least the ones I have read, the characters are relatively detached from what leads them to investigate the mystery. Thoughts anyone?

@yvesgomes Год назад

My doubt is more basic. I'm struggling to spot a pattern of inciting incidents in mysteries in general. What piece of information that brings progress should be "the one"?

@annie.cristales Год назад

Hi Jerry, I want to make a video suggestion, "How to create the perfect Book Title for a Novel?" I find it quite hard to come up with a title that truly represents my plot. Nothing works. Thanks, I hope you see this.

@timroot3710 5 месяцев назад

Jerry, I have a story that violates many of the things you have discussed in your videos not to do. Do I go back and work with what I have written or do I start all over again. Which method is better?

@jamesdunn1112 Год назад

Regarding nonfiction: in a coming of age story where several incidents (instead of one incident) occur that changes the perspective of a character on life, does it work?

@Nbrolfiwriting Год назад

I recently read an article on Master class to see where my inciting incident falls under. I would say mine is more ambiguous and I know it's strong enough to hold through. 💪🏾 Thnx Jerry.

@cosmicprison9819 Год назад

I have one story in which the stakes can’t be life or death, because the villain’s motivation is the survival of the human species. And not in a “we must get rid of a few so that the majority can survive” kind of way - but in an “every single person counts for the higher purpose (and therefore has to do as I say)” kind of way. So the stakes are actually freedom vs. slavery - and it’s the *good guys* who have to be willing to accept death as a potential risk in their fight to reclaim that freedom.

@dimitrytsalinka7203 Год назад

What do your opinion on writing in Wattpad platform?

@rickspicks Год назад

Thanks. Been struggling with my inciting incident. It was not the type that was obviously high stakes. Rather just something he found out about. I was trying to make it more immediately apparent/bigger, but after seeing this, realize the protagonist doesn't have to get hit over the head immediately, He can discover how big it it is upon investigating, Only then does he realize it's very high stakes.

@smileychess Год назад

That’s similar to mine. He discovers something about the nature of reality. But he doesn’t technically have to dig deeper aside from a strong curiosity. Maybe I should do what the matrix did, and include a Agent Smith type character to light a fire under the main character.

@Zei33 Год назад

Is it okay to only have an inciting incident for one character at the start of the first book, and then have individual incidents at the end of book 1 and book 2 for the other main characters? I want to setup all four characters throughout book 1. I feel like front loading a bunch of the story developments at the start won’t be as effective as introducing each character’s major motivation at the appropriate time throughout the story.

@taradeleeuw2344 Месяц назад

Oh boy

@juju10683 Год назад

It seems like some novels have multiple inciting incidents. Is that bad? It seems to work when the protagonist(s) have an internal goal (become a great warrior) and then there are several external goals associated with inciting incidents. Am I thinking about this the wrong way?

@garymcdermott8748 Год назад

Mr. Jenkins what is a 'through line' ?

@carlswanson8041 11 месяцев назад

A throughline in a novel is a question or plot set up that hooks the reader and is a driving force through the plot to be eventually revealed near or at the end. It is a plot point that keeps the book driving THROUGH to the end.

@cosmicprison9819 Год назад

Abbie Emmons has been very specific about the protagonist “pursuing their goal while avoiding their fear”. How is this possible after the inciting incident, *without* having the character at least try to “go back to normal”? 🤔 In fantasy novels, the hero often can’t go back home, because his home is simply destroyed by the villain. In the Lord of the Rings, however, Frodo chooses to leave the Shire, rather than it being destroyed. The Refusal of the Call that humanises the character usually comes before the Inciting Incident. After the incident, the hero can’t go back - so how can they be pushed out of their comfort zone, but still continue to avoid their fear?

@MyAmericanMorning Год назад

I am working on a story with a good inciting incident, but the story begins 50 years or more after the incident occurs and, because of important interactions between main characters, the inciting incident will be described as a memory to one character by the main character those many years later, but that happens fairly deep into the story. Is there a way I can foreshadow the inciting incident effectively to grab the readers early?

@larryoxentine8310 Год назад

Prologue?

@MyAmericanMorning Год назад

@@larryoxentine8310 Thank you, Larry. I had not thought of that. Of course, until I watched this video, the power of an early reveal of the inciting incident had not yet crossed my mind. I'll just have to determine how to do it without revealing details that need to stay mysterious for a while.

@ChristophelusPulps Год назад

Great video as always, but might I respectfully suggest that you adjust your microphone settings? It's picking up every little wet noise your mouth makes.

@crosscutofficial Год назад

What do you think of characters that change, as in he/she is portrayed as a “good guy”, yet they turn, then later are brought back to being good?

@Zei33 Год назад

I personally hate that sort of arc and I know I’m not the only one. It’s done too often for my tastes and it just lowers the reader’s opinion if the main character for the rest of the story.

@ApolloBSG Год назад

If handled well they are some of the best arcs.

@wizard4203 Год назад

what do i do if i start uncontrollably scrawling 4th century elfin runes in spiraling patterns on my walls

@larryoxentine8310 Год назад

Call an exorcist 👹

@ApolloBSG Год назад

I also have this problem. All suggestions on a blood stained envelope

@caesarjulius6058 Год назад

Why is Jerry's left hand a different color from his right hand??????

@Blessom 9 месяцев назад

Likely his blood flow and the lighting

@stevenmaynard4825 Год назад

Jerry's writing advice is always no-bullshit: If your audience doesn't know why they should give af then it's bad story.

@Pharaoh_Tutankhamen Год назад

I think my inciting incident is when the protagonist's future wife (who he doesn't know about yet) time travels to him, from the future, because she's upset about his death

@smileychess Год назад

Sounds wonderfully bizarre

@taradeleeuw2344 Месяц назад

Those first lines count

@taradeleeuw2344 Месяц назад

Character arc

@taradeleeuw2344 Месяц назад

No shortage of mayhem

@taradeleeuw2344 Месяц назад

No shortage of incitement

@taradeleeuw2344 Месяц назад

Lots of turning back

@taradeleeuw2344 Месяц назад

From UFOs to murder

@taradeleeuw2344 Месяц назад

I have magic doors

@taradeleeuw2344 Месяц назад

Nothing normal

@mjavediqbal2025 Год назад

Sir I have recently followed you so please it is requested to make content frequently every week.

@Harry-mf6rq Год назад

How rude

@Zei33 Год назад

@@Harry-mf6rq go easy. ESL makes text comments difficult to convey appropriate meaning. He just meant, “I’ve just subscribed recently and I like it so much that I hope you’ll consider putting out more content.”