The Crater: Blow Up Your Plot & Start Your Story
Details
## 💥 Baraboo Writers Blast: The Crater — Naming the Real Problem
When: Wednesday, August 12, 2026 | 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Where: Baraboo Public Library (Sauey Room)
### About This Session
Every great story starts with an explosion—the event that blasts a character out of their comfort zone and forces them into action. We call that The Crater.
Whether you’re working on a novel, a short story, or a memoir, identifying your story’s inciting incident is key to building momentum. In this hands-on workshop, we’ll explore how to pinpoint the exact moment your character’s "normal" life gets disrupted and how that single moment sets your entire narrative in motion.
### What We’ll Cover
- Pinpointing the Inciting Incident: Discovering the event that turns your character's world upside down.
- The Emotional Starting Point: Understanding why this specific disruption matters to your protagonist.
- Building Story Momentum: Using "the crater" to drive conflict, stakes, and narrative direction.
### What to Bring
- A current draft, outline, or a brand-new story idea.
- Notebook and pen (or laptop).
- Don't worry if you're feeling stuck—I'll bring creative prompts to help bypass writer's block and get the ideas flowing!
> Quick Prep (Optional):
> Before the meeting, think about your main character's everyday life—and the exact event that shatters it. Jot down a sentence or two on an index card if you'd like to share during our exercise!
Open to writers of all experience levels and genres. See you in the Sauey Room!