
Ciao, SEers. Back in 2018, I wrote a post about story beginnings: tone, character introduction, even famous first lines. Today, I want to take that a step further and talk about some do’s and don’ts that will help you elevate your beginnings from good to great.
Do’s
- Set up stakes early
- Use a hooks to reel in the reader, especially one that represents the theme of the novel
- Establish setting as soon as possible, especially what’s unique about it (if there is something)
- Reveal the interesting thing about the character’s circumstance (job, disability, whatever)
- Raise a question in the reader (but don’t answer it)
- Create conflict that shows what the character wants
- Show character in a conflict that depicts their problem or suffering
- Write a first line that establishes ONE THING (and only one thing) for the reader
- Establish mystery or conflict in the first chapter
- Use strong, unique…
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