CC tests Nyx and Ran's wonderful new beginning

Описание: Does your first chapter make a promise the rest of your book can keep? In this workshop session, Adam Simon and the group put Ciara Craig's (CC) new first chapter to the test. Through a "retelling," we see if the core conflict—a high-stakes rivalry between archaeologist Nyx and the pirate captain Ran—lands with the audience.

In this video, we discuss:

The Retelling Test: How a reader’s summary reveals what is actually sticking (and what isn’t).

The Indiana Jones Comparison: Building a distinctive protagonist who feels familiar yet unique.

Balancing Stakes: Why Nyx’s secret as a "Triple" is her driving force, and how to reveal that information without "info-dumping."

Establishing Chemistry: Refining the "enemies-to-lovers" dynamic and ensuring the sexual tension or rivalry is palpable from page one.

Character Agency: Ensuring the protagonist doesn't just feel defeated, but leaves the reader with a hint of their next move.

Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction to the Retelling Test
00:29 - The "Perfect First Chapter" Aphorism 00:45 - Kim’s Retelling of the Chapter
02:12 - Analyzing Reader Emotions: Excitement vs. Defeat
04:24 - Exploring the Magic System: What are "Triples"?
07:15 - Showing vs. Telling: Dream walking and World-building
11:05 - Closing Advice on Flexibility in Revision