Sign Posts & Questions
Contrasts & Contradictions
When a character does something that contrasts with what you'd expect or contradicts his earlier acts or statements, STOP and ask: Why is the character doing that?
Aha Moments
When a character realizes, understands, or finally figures out something, STOP and ask: How might this change things?
Tough Questions
When a character asks herself a very difficult questions, STOP and ask: What does this question make me wonder about?
Words of the Wise
When a character takes the main character aside and offers serious advice, STOP and ask: What's the life lesson and how might it affect the character?
Again and Again
When you notice a word, phrase, or situation mentioned over and over, STOP and ask: Why does this keep happening again and again?
Memory Moment
When the author interrupts the action to tell you about a memory, STOP and ask: Why might this memory be important?
Contrasts & Contradictions
When a character does something that contrasts with what you'd expect or contradicts his earlier acts or statements, STOP and ask: Why is the character doing that?
Aha Moments
When a character realizes, understands, or finally figures out something, STOP and ask: How might this change things?
Tough Questions
When a character asks herself a very difficult questions, STOP and ask: What does this question make me wonder about?
Words of the Wise
When a character takes the main character aside and offers serious advice, STOP and ask: What's the life lesson and how might it affect the character?
Again and Again
When you notice a word, phrase, or situation mentioned over and over, STOP and ask: Why does this keep happening again and again?
Memory Moment
When the author interrupts the action to tell you about a memory, STOP and ask: Why might this memory be important?