The Emotion First Rule

Most people tell stories in order: "First this happened, then that happened." Skilled storytellers start with the emotional core and build events around it. Ask yourself: what is the one feeling I want my audience to have?

• Surprise: delay the reveal.
• Empathy: start with vulnerability.
• Inspiration: begin with the obstacle that seemed impossible.

Once you know the core emotion, every detail either serves it or gets cut. The exact date does not matter unless the timing is part of the surprise.