What do the opening and closing chapters of a story have in common? Many things I’m sure, but one of the most important factors—and most riveting—is conflict. I can imagine your protest, but hear me out. Our opening chapters serve many purposes. They hook the reader. They introduce setting and plot and characters. And last, but by no means least, they introduce conflict. Here, in the beginning of our character’s journey, we see them in their old form, warts and all, ready—or not so ready—to embark on their adventure. Throughout the entirety of our story, we put our characters through … Continue reading Simply Writing | THE CIRCLE OF A STORY