Strong Foundations

Foundation: A body or ground on which other parts rest or are overlaid

Whether we're building a home or a novel, if we stack upon a weak foundation, the product will suffer. What makes a strong story foundation? Here's what I've learned:

• Start with a three act structure
• Create strong characters who readers will care about
• Envision a setting that is rich with sensory details
• In the early stages of Act 1, preferably on the first page, the main character should experience a disturbance to their regular life
• The transition from Act 1 to Act 2 happens when the MC is thrust into the middle of the story
• The middle of the story, Act 2, is a series of complications for the MC (I like to create a "make 'em suffer" list for this section)
• The transition from Act 2 to Act 3 happens when the MC reaches a point of no return
• Act 3 is the climax and denouement (add a twist!)
• Revise your story until it's so awesomely amazing that readers will line up around the block to demand a sequel. Well, this one probably doesn't belong, but I like the sound of it.

I realize this is an overly simplified list. What tips can you share for creating a strong story foundation?

photo credit: google images