_Suspense_: Where does the story first grip you, and why? At what
point does the cause for suspense change, and with what bearing on
your interest?
_Clues_: Make a list of clues to the tragic conclusion; _e.g._, “If I
am awake” (page 33).
_Proportion_: How much of the narrative is devoted to antecedent
circumstances? Notice the long preliminary, the logical necessity for
an accurate disclosure of character at the beginning, and compare it
with the fine art which leaves the dénouement partly to the reader.
_Suggestion._--At what points did you unconsciously create incidents
or summarize them?
GENERAL METHODS OF MRS. ATHERTON. “I rarely have the solution of a
story or novel in mind, merely the principal character, the central
idea, and the _mis-en-scène_. I prefer to let the story work itself
out. Else, where would be the fun in it? Writing to me is an adventure,
and if I knew beforehand how it was to turn out I should take no more
interest in it than I should take in the following year if I knew what
was to happen every day. Nevertheless, I would reject any finale that
I did not think logical. An arbitrary ending for the sake of dramatic
effect or conciliating the public makes the whole book or story
worthless artistically.”