vaguely indicative title

First sentence that hooks the reader. Can be funny, outlandish, or actually relevant to the rest of the piece. It depends. Follow up sentence that qualifies the first and adds new information that draws the reader in deeper. A statement that indicates what information will be revealed, possibly hinting at an epiphany near the end. The reader now has the decision to continue reading or move on to something else (Facebook).

Statement that the writer is aware that the subject is not applicable to everyone, or qualifying statement that the writer understands the contrary point of view to her own. The writer relates her point of view.

Background information about the author to put the first paragraph into context. Inclusion of a personality quirk or thought process specific to the author that could potentially give the reader a better understanding of why the writer thinks the way she thinks. This portion may or may not be immediately relevant to the piece, but the writer promises that it will be.

Beginning of anecdote that will explain the hook from the first paragraph. Retelling of a story that indicates an experience unique to the writer. Paragraph composed of long sentences with multiple clauses alternated with short sentences. For emphasis. Continuation of story with increasing momentum and tension as the writer builds the intensity.

Sentence about the climax of the story, preferably beginning with a conjunction.

Explanation of why the writer acted the way she did in the given scenario. This is where the background information becomes relevant. If the reader remembered the idiosyncrasy, then he or she is already ahead of the game. But, the writer will take it upon herself to explain it again, just to ensure clarity.

The writer tries to make the reader understand her thought process, and therefore frames this portion in such a way that her mode of thinking appears to be the most logical. More sentences to prove that the writer is a functioning member of society and not a crazed young woman with a laptop. She may or may not succeed at this point.

Hyperbolic statement about how normal the writer is. The reader should at this point realize that the writer is not typical, nor does she wish to be acknowledged as such.

Solitary, often bleak, statement about the writer’s observations about the given scenario.