Creating the Inciting Incident

Sat Jan 17 2026 at 10:15 am to 12:45 pm UTC+00:00

Nottingham Central Library | Nottingham

Nottingham Writers' Studio
Publisher/HostNottingham Writers' Studio
Creating the Inciting Incident
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Exploring the crucial importance of the ‘inciting incident’ for creating a compelling, engaging story.
About this Event

THE WORKSHOP

This half-day workshop will explore the crucial importance of the ‘inciting incident’ for creating a compelling, engaging story across a variety of writing mediums and genres. It will examine how the ‘inciting incident’ is essential for introducing the central conflict and setting the plot into motion, through ‘calling’ the main character to action. Placing them on a personal quest and path which will focus the thematic intentions of the piece and drive the narrative story.

The workshop will look at when and where to place the ‘inciting incident’ within your plot, and how it works in line with the story’s Three Act Structure, comprising of the Set-up, Confrontation and Resolution. It will also consider the dangers of ‘dropping’ the ‘inciting incident’ too late into the story, and how this can weaken the narrative's momentum and lose the interest of the reader/audience.

The session will involve a variety of writing exercises to help develop an engaging ‘inciting incident’ within your own work, whilst also looking at how it has been effectively presented in a variety of well-known literary works.

THE TUTOR

Tina Jay is an award winning playwright, having won both the International Playscript Competition (judged by Sir Alan Ayckbourn), and the Kenneth Branagh Award for New Drama Writing.

Her plays have been performed across London, with her most recent play 'Syndrome' performed for a two week run at Tristan Bates Theatre in Covent Garden, receiving 5* reviews and an Offie nomination for 'Best New Play'. A collection of her short stories was also recently performed at The Quad in Derby by actor/director Jack Brett Anderson.

Tina has taught writing courses and workshops at numerous colleges/universities/venues across the East Midlands, and currently teaches Creative Writing Short Courses at Nottingham Trent University. Tina has an MA (Distinction) in TV Scriptwriting, and has recently started her PhD in Creative Writing, at the University of Leicester, for which she is writing a full-length novel.

DETAILS

Don't miss this opportunity to connect with fellow writers, explore your creative imagination and learn from an experienced local writer.

The event will take place in person at Central Library Nottingham, which is situated conveniently near to city transport links and has ample parking nearby.

Map link here.

Please contact [email protected] with any questions or specific requirements.

Thank you

NWS Team


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Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Nottingham Central Library, 1 Carrington Street, Nottingham, United Kingdom

Tickets

GBP 11.55 to GBP 20.21

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