Writing a gOOOd bOOOk

How do you write a book? Word by word, sentence by sentence, and SCENE BY SCENE. Strong scenes show readers what they need to know about your main character: their secrets, their struggles, and their successes.

There are three O’s you need in every scene you’re writing. I wish I could remember where I learned this, but it’s been years. YEARS! I have these jotted on a post-it note that has lost its stickiness because it’s so old. I now have it taped to my desk.

First, you need an Objective. This is your character’s goal. What do they want? What do they think they want? It may or may not be what they need. Make sure readers say, “Oh yeah, that’s a cool goal!”

Then you need an Obstacle. This is the who or what that is getting in your main character’s way. Your main character needs an Obstacle that is related to their Objective. (Something that makes readers say “Oh No!”

Finally, you need an Outcome. Does the main character overcome their Obstacle and reach their Objective? The answer should be “sort of.” Because the Outcome should add a new element to the Objective and Obstacle so that readers keep reading. If the main character solves their big Obstacle in Chapter 1, your book is done. Hopefully readers say, “Oh my, I didn’t expect that!” and keep reading.

Those are your three O’s that you need in every scene. If you don’t have them, your plot is just a series of events, not actual scenes, and your story will sag and droop and people will not keep reading.

So go write those O’s!