#120: First Chapter Analysis: Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros

Fiction Writing Made Easy

Savannah Gilbo

Education, Fiction, Writing Tips, Arts, Bestseller, Writing, How To, Author, Writing Community, Books, Novel, How To Write Fiction, Writing Fiction, Writer, How To Write A Book

4.9 • 1.5K Ratings

🗓️ 12 December 2023

⏱️ 71 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

“I think that's really important at the end of every time that you write a scene. Ask yourself, how can I raise the stakes even more?” - Abigail K. Perry

I'm thrilled to have you join us today as we embark on a thrilling literary journey through the fantastical world of Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yaros. In this episode, I'm joined by Abigail K. Perry and I encourage you to read this mesmerizing tale, peel it apart with us, and participate in our analysis of it. Here's a preview of what's included:

[05:42] Chapter summary: The first chapter of Fourth Wing leaves readers hanging on the edge, both emotionally and figuratively, setting the stage for a tale brimming with intrigue, familial conflict, and the high stakes of a world defined by war and loyalty.

[11:53] Macro analysis: This novel aims to captivate readers with its combination of action, fantasy, and romance within the new adult framework. The novel features a skillful balance between internal character development and external conflicts, seeking approval from parents, creating a rich narrative that explores both the character's inner struggles and the broader context of a war-torn world filled with secrets and conspiracies.

[32:54] Micro analysis: Discussing differing views on the crisis and turning point, a debate about whether to consider the author’s writing as one scene or split it into multiple scenes, and understanding the protagonist’s goal and actions and decisions within it. Also, there is the effectiveness of putting a crisis on the page, illustrating the character's internal struggle and the stakes involved.

[53:08] Final thoughts: The balance between setup and resolution in scenes, emphasizing the need for purposeful content that propels the plot forward, and the careful construction of scenes, focusing on character development, plot progression, and the effective integration of stakes and conflicts.

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Transcript

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0:00.0	Before we dive into today's episode, I have something exciting to share with you.
0:04.0	I created a fun, brand new quiz that you can take that's totally free
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0:22.0	Think about it as one of the most important resources
0:24.4	you can tap into to keep your big goals moving forward.
0:27.5	If you want to take the quiz and get your personalized playlist,
0:30.7	go to Savannah Gilbo.com forward slash playlist. So one more time that link is
0:35.7	Savannah gillboo.com forward slash playlist. It is a setup so be prepared for that to pay off.
0:43.2	You know, it's another great setup that's going to pay off in some way.
0:46.4	Which is cool because then, you know, like most things, we want everything in our story to be serving
0:51.0	multiple purposes.
0:52.0	So this is showing us character, it's setting up something, it's providing conflict, you know,
0:57.5	it's doing a lot.
0:59.3	So that's, we found that to be a very significant decision,
1:02.8	even though on first glance it might not seem like that big of a deal.
1:09.6	Welcome to the Fiction Writing Made Easy podcast.
1:12.4	My name is Savannah Gilboe, and I'm here to help you write a story that works.
1:16.0	I want to prove to you that writing a novel doesn't have to be overwhelming.
1:20.0	So each week I'll bring you a brand new episode with simple, actionable, and step-by-step strategies that you can implement in your writing right away.
1:28.0	So whether you're brand new to writing or more of a seasoned author looking to improve your craft, this podcast is for you.
1:34.2	So pick up a pen and let's get started.
	...

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