The Story Mountain: 5 Steps to the Top
Take your readers on a journey! Use the Introduction, Build-up, Climax, Resolution, and Ending to create suspense and excitement.
Climbing the Mountain
Start at the bottom of the mountain. This is the calm before the storm.
- Who is the main character?
- Where are they?
- What are they doing (before the trouble starts)?
The journey begins. Things start to go wrong. Small problems appear, hints of danger, or an obstacle blocking the way.
- Give a hint that something bad might happen.
- Build tension (short sentences, "suddenly", "without warning").
This is it! The top of the mountain. The biggest, most exciting part of the story.
- The character faces the main problem head-on.
- It looks like they might fail!
- High energy, fast action.
The immediate danger passes. The character solves the problem or escapes.
- How do they fix it? (Don't use magic unless it's a fantasy story!)
- Loose ends are tied up.
- Everyone takes a breath.
The story finishes. The character might have changed or learned something.
- A reflection on what happened.
- A promise for the future?
- Avoid "It was all a dream!" (Markers hate that!)
Why does this shape work?
Think of your reader's interest like a rollercoaster.
If you stay flat (no problem), it's boring. If you stay at the climax too long, it's exhausting. The mountain shape creates the perfect rhythm.
Related Writing Guides
Conquer the Mountain!
Use the Story Mountain planner in your next practice session. It's the best way to get a Band 8 or higher.