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Q&A Foregone conclusion of novel's first part

Add an additional point of uncertainty. "Will the story progress" is not an interesting stakes. But nothing's keeping you from adding other stakes that will grip the reader. Consider, for example:...

posted 6y ago by Standback‭  ·  last activity 5y ago by System‭

Answer
#4: Attribution notice removed by user avatar System‭ · 2019-12-12T20:06:05Z (almost 5 years ago)
Source: https://writers.stackexchange.com/a/35706
License name: CC BY-SA 3.0
License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/
#3: Attribution notice added by user avatar System‭ · 2019-12-08T08:39:50Z (almost 5 years ago)
Source: https://writers.stackexchange.com/a/35706
License name: CC BY-SA 3.0
License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/
#2: Initial revision by (deleted user) · 2019-12-08T08:39:50Z (almost 5 years ago)
## Add an additional point of uncertainty.

"Will the story progress" is not an interesting stakes. But nothing's keeping you from adding _other_ stakes that _will_ grip the reader. Consider, for example:

- Is MC willing to play dirty to secure his place?
- Can MC keep his idealism and enthusiasm as he progresses?
- How will things play out between MC and:
  - His bitter rival?
  - His love interest?
  - His less-capable buddy?
- Who is the MCs shadowy sponsor, who keeps quietly getting him out of trouble?
- Why does this one person seem hell-bent on making MC flunk out?
- Why won't any of the commanders talk about (MYSTERIOUS SUBJECT)?

...And so on. One or two of these will make promises to the reader, that they can look forward to see paying off, and they give your story a much clearer shape.

#1: Imported from external source by user avatar System‭ · 2018-04-29T18:51:31Z (over 6 years ago)
Original score: 5