Melissa Delport's Blog

If there’s one thing I have learned in my decade of authorship, it’s that readers can be ruthless. We are spoilt for choice when it comes to entertainment options, and as authors, we are pitching to a population that is easily distracted by their phones and screens, so it is imperative that we hook a reader’s attention as early as possible, and then keep them on the line as our story progresses.

This is where the inciting incident and the narrative hook become your secret weapons and as part of my writing guide, I’m going to teach you how to use them.

But what exactly is the narrative hook, or the inciting incident, you ask? And more importantly, how can you wield them effectively? Let’s dive into the mechanics of storytelling and these crucial elements – how they differ, how they work, and how you can use them to level up your writing.

What is a Narrative Hook?

Much like it sounds, the narrative hook is the bait that you dangle into the reader pool. It is the opening sentence, paragraph or page that is designed to pique your reader’s interest and convince them to keep reading. The purpose of the narrative hook is simple and self-explanator: to hook the reader. It should raise questions or trigger a strong emotional response.

That being said, the narrative hook isn’t meant to just intrigue the reader – it also sets the tone for your entire story. It gives your reader a taste of what is to come and sets their expectations.

Good Narrative Hook Examples:

“It was a bright cold day in April, and the clocks were striking thirteen.” – 1984 by George Orwell.

As far as opening lines goes, this is a great one. It immediately poses questions: Clocks do not strike thirteen, so what world is this, and how is it normal? The strangeness of that concept drives a reader to explore further.

“If you’re going to read this, don’t bother.” – Choke by Chuck Palahniuk

This sentence is unusually defiant, and intrigues the reader, laying down a challenge without preamble.

“There was a hand in the darkness, and it held a knife.” – The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman

Hello, immediate suspense! Who does this hand belong to? What ill-intent is planned? This anticiption of danger or conflict will have the reader scrambling to turn the next page.

It is important to note that these narrative hooks are effective without giving anything away. Instead, they invite the reader to keep reading, to discover the answers they now crave.

What is an Inciting Incident?

Where the narrative hook aims to draw readers in, the inciting incident is what sets the story in motion (don’t worry if you dont yet understand the difference, I will give you clear examples below!) The inciting incident is the catalyst – the point where the character’s life is disrupted and the protagonist’s story begins.

It usually occurs early on in the story – most commonly within the first chapter, and it introduces the central conflict (and often, the antogonist).

Inciting Incident Examples

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins: Katniss volunteers as tribute in place of Prim (her sister). This is the moment that Katniss is flung into her cental conflict – her fight for survival in the Hunger Games arena.

Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone by J.K. Rowling: Harry gets his Hogwarts letter. This incident puts a permanent end to Harry’s life as a ‘muggle’ and introduces the magical world.

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald: Nick Carraway moves to West Egg and becomes neighbors with Jay Gatsby. While this move might not seem that big of a deal, it’s the trigger for Nick to become involved in Gatsby’s world, which ultimately leads to the tragic events that unfold.

The inciting incident doesn’t have to be dramatic – it’s not called the ‘exciting’ incident. It can be as subtle as a chance meeting, or a simple decision – so long as it forces the main character to react, which in turn sets the plot in motion.

How the Narrative Hook and the Inciting Incident Work Together

While each is distinct, these two elements work in tandem to create a gripping story opening. The hook grabs the reader’s interest, and the incident ensures they stay interested.

For example:

In The Hunger Games, the narratibe hook is Katniss hunting in the woods. This action establishes her resourcefulness while highlighting her harsh world. Then she volunteers as tribute (the inciting incident) and the reader is pulled fully into the conflict and the high-stakes scenario.

In Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen, the hook is the opening line: “It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.” It sets the tone for the themes of love, class and marriage that the book is famous for. The inciting incident, on the other hand, occurs when Mr Bingley and Mr Darcy arrive in the neighborhood – which disrupts the status quo and sets the stage for the Bennett sisters’ romantic entanglements.

How to Write a Good Narrative Hook: Start with a question or mystery: if you open with something unusual or unexplained, your reader will want to keep reading to get to the bottom of it and have their curiosity sated. Evoke Emotion: be it fear, joy, sadness or anger – emotions draw the reader in!Throw the Reader into Action: Start in the middle of a scene to create immediate engagement. How to Write a Good Inciting IncidentIndentify the Core Conflict: the inciting incident should always introduce the problem or challenge at the heart of the story. Make it Personal: the inciting incident should directly affect your protagonist and force them to make a choice or take action. Create Irreversible Change: Ensure that the protagonist can’t just return to the way things were – the status quo must be changed and a new reality created. Make it Early: Readers don’t want to wait too long for the story to get going. Make sure your inciting incident is within the first few chapters. Mistakes to AvoidWaiting too Long: Like I mentioned at the very beginning of this article, readers can be ruthless They might lose their patience if your story is meandering without any clear direction or purpose. A Confusing Hook: if your opening hints at a breakneck thriller, don’t follow it up with a slow paced romance. A Complicated Hook: don’t overcomplicate things or try to be too clever. You could lose your reader. A strong hook can be simple but effective.

The combination of a strong narrative hook and a strong inciting incident is the dynamic duo of storytelling. The hook grabs your reader by the collar while the inciting hook keeps them invested and draws them into the heart of your tale. If you manage to master both of these elements, you will ensure that you book not only starts with a bang, but is also impossible to put down.

Can the narrative hook and the incitiing incident happen at the same time?

Yes, the two can overlap, but its not common. An example would be The Martian, where the opening line serves as both the narratove hook and the inciting incident.

Can a book have more than one inciting incident?

No. A book can have several exciting incidents, there is only typically only one main inciting incident that kicks off the central conflict. An exception would be a stpry told in multiple POV, where each character might have their own inciting incident.

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In the world of mailing platforms, authors are spoilt for choice. There are so many platforms to choose from and each offers its own unique features and pricing. For now, I’ll focus on the 3 I have used personally and am most familiar with – Mailchimp, MailerLite, and (most recently!) Substack.

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Social media is a powerful tool for authors. Learn how to use platforms like Facebook, TikTok and Instagram to build your author brand.

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Once you have written and published your book, it might feel like the hard work is behind you. Unfortunately, the work has just begun, and this applies to both traditionally and independently published works. Writing a book is a feat, but now you need to get that book into the hands of readers, which can be even more challenging. Whether you are a new author or an experienced one, you will need to know how to market your book, and this step-by-step guide can help. I know that marketing your book can be daunting but it becomes easier if you break it down into clear, actionable steps. I love ticking boxes, or marking things off my to-do list, so let’s get it done, together! If your book has not been written yet, I strongly suggest you start with my book writing guide, but if you have your book in hand and are ready to start marketing, you’re in the right place. There is also an extensive list of resources at the bottom of this article that will aid you in your marketing journey. Step 1: Define Your Audience The first thing you need to do is identify your reader. This is who you will be targeting – and don’t make the mistake of believing your book will appeal to ‘everyone’. You need to niche down, hard. If you have written a fantasy novel, for example, you should identify what subgenre your book falls into. Is it epic or urban? Does it contain magic, vampires, the quest… does it have strong themes of romance, could it perhaps be paranormal romance rather than fantasy? Do your research and make sure that you hone in on the readership that will love your story. There is no point in getting your book into the hands of a thousand readers if five hundred of those will DNF it, and the rest will give it a low rating and poor reviews. Without a clear idea of who your book is for, you risk spending time and money on the wrong resources. To help find your target market, ask yourself the following questions: Now that you have identified your ideal reader’s ‘persona’ you can use this profile to guide the rest of your marketing efforts. Step 2: Build Your Author Platform Your author platform should be the foundation of your marketing strategy. It encompasses everything from your author website, to your newsletter, to your social media profiles. Here is how to build and optimize your author platform: Create an Author Website to Market Your Book Your website is your online central hub or home base. It’s where readers can learn more about you, your books, and how to connect with you. In the fickle world of online platforms, your website is secured, and the one place you have full control. Update it regularly to avoid it becoming static. Make sure to include an author bio and information about your books (buy links are a must!). It is also recommended that you have a blog or news section for updates. Start an Email List A newsletter or email is one of the most effective ways to communicate directly with your readers. It is personal, direct, and perfect for sharing book updates, new release information, and special offers. Incentivize readers to join your mailing list by offering them exclusive content like bonus scenes or a free short story. I would recommend mailing software such as MailChimp, Substack, or Mailer Lite (I use Mailer Lite because I find it the most user-friendly), and always try to be consistent with your newsletter. I try to email my mailing list every Friday. Leverage Social Media Try to choose the social media platforms that best align with your audience. Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter are popular choices for authors, and TikTok is fantastic for reaching YA and romance readers. Engage with readers, post behind-the-scenes content, and share book news. There are so many platforms to choose from and likewise, so many ways to leverage social media. It’s why I dedicated an entire article to social media for authors. Set Up Goodreads & Bookbub Profiles Goodreads and Bookbub are especially effective for authors because these platforms are designed specifically for readers. Goodreads is like Facebook for readers, while Bookbub is primarily where readers flock for discounted book deals. In addition, both platforms allow you to run promotional campaigns and connect with genre enthusiasts, although you should be wary not to review books too harshly. As an author, I engage on Goodreads, yet I keep any negative book opinions to myself to avoid being trolled or getting caught up in drama and becoming collateral damage. Step 3: Content Marketing for Your Book Content marketing is a strategy that involves creating content such as videos, blogs, and social media posts specifically to appeal to your target audience. Unlike traditional advertising, it is not ‘salesy’ because it does not explicitly promote your brand, but instead, it simulates interest in you and your books. The aim of content marketing is to attract, engage, and retain your audience. For instance, in my Facebook reader group I don’t often post about my own books. Most of my posts are for entertainment purposes – to keep the members of the group engaged and to hold their attention. That way, when I do have book news, they are more likely to be around to see it. Content marketing helps you to build a relationship with your audience. It allows your readers to get to know you better and forms an integral part of how to market your book. Content Ideas to Market Your Book: A) Blogging and Guest Posts Blogs are a great way to write about topics relevant to your book’s genre, or your writing journey. If your book is historical fiction, you could blog about the time period, for example. If you write fantasy, you could delve into world-building, or orc names. Keep creating content, consistency is key. The article you are reading right now forms part of my blog – a passion project that aims to help new writers become successful authors. B) Social Media Content Develop a book marketing content calendar to keep your posting consistent. There are templates available online and on apps like Canva, but I prefer to design my own according to my needs. Share snippets of your writing process, quotes from your current project, and character teasers. Behind-the-scenes photos can also work well. C) Multimedia Content Video and audio are powerful tools, and you should leverage them as far as possible. Book trailers, live readings, and short videos about your books and your writing process add dynamism to your book marketing campaign. Consider starting a YouTube channel or Podcast if you are comfortable in front of the camera or, if that’s too ambitious, you can start with Instagram reels and TikTok videos. Step 4: Paid Advertising to Increase Reach No ‘How To Market a Book’ guide would be complete without mentioning paid ads. If you are willing to invest money into it, paid advertising can give your book sales a significant boost. I wouldn’t do it without thorough research beforehand, though, and I would start small and scale up as you test different options and learn what works for you. You must be prepared to test, test, and test some more. There are several online courses available to learn about paid ads (I would strongly suggest you complete a few before starting!), but these are the most popular paid ads platforms: Step 5: How to Market Your Book to Influencers and Reviewers There is nothing quite as impactful as word-of-mouth marketing. I will read a book recommended by a friend or someone I trust long before one recommended by a stranger. But what if that stranger wasn’t a stranger? The beauty of social media is connection, and I trust the people that I follow online. Reputable influencers and reviewers can lend credibility to your campaign, boost visibility, and go a long way to market your book. There are several ways to connect with influencers and reviewers in the book community: Send ARCs (Advance Reader Copies): I can speak from experience that this works. As an advanced reviewer for Penguin Random House, I take the role very seriously. I always make sure to hype the books I am sent. You could reach out to bloggers, bookstagrammers, and book reviewers to see if they would be interested in reading and reviewing your book. Be sure to choose reviewers whose tastes align with your book’s genre to maximize the possibility that they will market your book. Utilize Reader Review Sites: Sites like NetGalley connect authors with readers who review books in advance. Positive reviews will boost your book’s credibility on launch day and beyond. Engage with Book Clubs and Reading Groups: Book clubs and online reading groups are a direct line to readers passionate about discussing books. Many clubs look for new titles, so consider offering copies to a reading group or hosting a virtual author Q&A. Try to find a club that enjoys the same genre as your book. Step 6: Host a Book Launch to Market Your Book Your book launch is the perfect opportunity to make a fabulous and memorable first impression. A good launch will build excitement, encourage early reviews, and give your book that initial boost of visibility it needs to get off the ground. Here are a few tips to make sure your launch is a success: Step 7: Build on the Momentum Your book marketing endeavors should not end after the launch. Capitalize on the momentum you have created, and sustain your marketing efforts to keep your book visible and help it reach a broader audience over time. Try to carve out slices of time each day to dedicate solely to marketing. Here are a few things you can focus on: Regular Engagement on Social Media: Keep connecting with your followers and sharing updates. Readers love to hear about ongoing author experiences, new projects, and even personal reflections on the writing journey. Seasonal Promotions and Giveaways: Plan promotions around special events, holidays, or book anniversaries. Flash sales and giveaways can reinvigorate interest and attract new readers. Apply for Awards and Competitions: Submitting your book for awards or industry recognition can lend it credibility and increase exposure. Even being shortlisted can boost its visibility and appeal. Keep Building Your Email List: Your email list remains a vital tool for long-term engagement. Send out updates on new projects, exclusive insights, or subscriber-only content to foster loyalty and interest. Marketing a book is an ongoing process that evolves with your readership and the industry. You need to continuously stay ahead of the trend and be prepared to adapt your strategy to keep things current. By building a platform, connecting with readers, leveraging content, and investing in both free and paid promotions, you’ll maximize your book’s potential. Every book finds its readers in a unique way—your task is to create a path for them to discover, fall in love with, and share your work. This guide serves as a foundational approach but marketing is an art as much as it is a science. Adapt your strategy as you grow, experiment with new methods, and most importantly, enjoy the process of connecting with readers who share your passion. Resources to Help Market Your Book: For a full list of resources, you can follow the marketing guides outlined below. Please keep in mind that this is an in-progress module and this list will be updated weekly, so please check back often!)

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Backstory is all the history and past events that shape a character’s current motivations, fears, and desires. Knowing how to write backstory well can deepen the narrative and create characters your reader can connect with.

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Ah, the dreaded middle. Every writer knows it well. It’s that sinking feeling you get when you hit the midpoint of your book and everything suddenly feels impossible. When the excitement that propelled you through the beginning has vanished and the end feels like a distant dream. Take heart. At least you are not alone. If the start of a novel is a love affair, and the end is a victory march, then the middle is the grind—the part where the honeymoon is over, and it’s time to dig in and do whatever you can to stay on track. Plus, I have some great news for you. As part of my book writing guide, this article will show you that the middle doesn’t have to be a wasteland of wandering plotlines and waning momentum! It could be an opportunity to raise the stakes and flesh out your characters. 1. Raise the Stakes By the time you hit the middle of your book, your readers should know your characters and the world they inhabit well enough to be lulled into a false sense of security. Now is the time to shake things up. Think of the middle as the place where the real stuff happens — the point in your novel where the characters are forced to confront the things they’ve been avoiding. It’s where the pressure builds. If the middle of your manuscript feels slow, the chances are that the stakes have not been raised high enough. Try throwing a wrench in your protagonist’s plans. You could introduce a new obstacle, complication, or revelation that makes their goals harder to achieve. The key is tension—keep the tension high, and the middle won’t feel like a lull. 2. Revisit Your Characters’ Motivations One common reason the middle sags is that characters begin to drift aimlessly. Their motivations from the beginning may no longer be enough to carry them through the plot. This is the perfect time to dig deeper into your characters. Ask yourself, What do they really want? And more importantly, Why do they want it? If you can find ways to evolve your characters’ desires, and fears, and resolve their internal conflicts, the middle becomes weighted. It is no longer just filler. Readers love watching characters struggle—not just with external forces but with themselves. Let them stumble, fall, and question everything they thought they knew. 3. Embrace Subplots The middle of your book is a great place to weave in subplots, enriching the narrative and keeping things lively. Subplots allow for layers and depth. They offer readers a break from the intensity of the main storyline while still adding to the overall tension. Maybe a secondary character has a goal that conflicts with your protagonist’s. Perhaps there’s a relationship subplot that’s heating up (or cooling down). Just make sure your subplots tie back into the main story arc, providing new perspectives or challenges that feed into the protagonist’s journey. 4. Pacing: Speed Up and Slow Down Pacing is crucial in the dreaded middle of a novel. A common pitfall is to let things drag, with too much focus on exposition or minor events, but unfortunately, the opposite can also be true. If you cram in too much action without giving readers a breather, it can lead to burnout. A good rule of thumb is to alternate between fast and slow. After an action-packed scene, give your characters a moment to reflect or plan their next move. This rhythm keeps the story moving without overwhelming the reader or letting the energy fizzle out. 5. Remember the Endgame One trick for navigating the middle is to keep your eyes on the prize: the ending. The dreaded middle doesn’t exist in isolation; it’s a bridge between the beginning and the end. Ask yourself questions like: How does this part of the story set up the final act? And what groundwork can I lay now that will pay off later? Sometimes the middle can feel disconnected because it’s not clearly linked to the ending. Every scene should serve a purpose, whether it’s to develop a character, increase the tension, or advance the plot. 6. Take a Break If you’ve tried everything and nothing has worked, it might be time to take a step back. Give yourself permission to pause, breathe, and recharge before you return to your manuscript. ‘Writer’s block‘ is often a sign that something isn’t working, and sometimes you need distance to see the bigger picture. When you come back to your story, try to do so with fresh eyes. You might find that what seemed like an insurmountable hurdle in the middle is actually an opportunity to push your story in an exciting new direction. In conclusion The dreaded middle often feels like a test of your writing endurance but it is also often where the heart of your story lies. It’s where characters are forged, conflicts escalate, and the real magic happens. Embrace the mess, trust the process, and keep going. The end is closer than you think. Happy writing!

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If you're unsure how to publish your book, this guide will help. It's filled with valuable resources about traditional and self-publishing.

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Radio plays and screenplays are both scripts designed for performance, there are a few key differences between the two. A screenplay is a moving media, destined for the stage or the screen, while a radio play is performed exclusively on audio - be it on a podcast or the radio. These will affect the way in which you write them.

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Like a book, a radio play it is a form of storytelling, but while most words are destined for the page, a radio play is created to be broadcast in audio. Unlike television, there are no visual elements to assist. The story relies solely on dialogue, music, and sound effects to engage listeners. Learn how to write a radio play in six simple steps.

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This is a basic sample of a radio play script template generated by AI purely to demonstrate, as part of our how to write a radio play checklist, but there are many examples available online. I would recommend you research the station you are interested in writing for and check their criteria before submitting.