8 ideas to consider as you draft an engaging start to your story
What’s the best way to capture a reader’s attention?
A strong opening scene…and a strong first page and a strong first chapter.
These strong starts are all crucial as they set the tone for your novel and drawing in your reader.
Here are 8 ways to help you craft something that will compel readers to keep turning the page:
Captivating hook: Grab a reader's attention from the first sentence or paragraph with either an intriguing statement, a thought-provoking question, a vivid description, or compelling action. Your hook should create curiosity and entice readers to continue reading.
Photo by Daniel Mingook Kim on Unsplash Establish your setting: Introduce your world early by providing enough details to paint a clear picture in the reader's mind. This includes the time period, physical environment, and any relevant cultural or historical context. The setting should come alive through sensory descriptions which will engage your reader's senses.
Introduce a compelling protagonist: Your main character, or characters, should be introduced in a way that not only captures your reader’s interest but establishes a connection. Show his or her unique qualities, desires, or struggles from the jump. Make readers care about what happens to your protagonist, which is done by empathy or curiosity—or both—about their journey.
Create conflict or tension: Conflict or tension should engage readers early. This could be done with an internal conflict within your protagonist. Or a conflict with another character. Or an external challenge they could face. The conflict should make readers want to find out how it unfolds.
Establish the narrative voice: Narrative voice is the perspective the story is told from, and most stories are told from first or third person. There is second person, too, but that’s not commonly used. But choose the narrative voice carefully, as it can have an important effect on the story and the reader's response. If you're struggling to figure out which one you should use, write that first page in both first and third person. See what feels and sounds better.
Create a sense of urgency: Make your readers feel that something significant is at stake, or that time is of the essence. This can be done through a pressing problem, a looming deadline (i.e., a ticking clock), or a captivating mystery that demands resolution.
Edit and revise: When you revisit your opening scene, first page and first chapter, do so with a critical eye. Polish the prose, eliminate unnecessary information, and ensure every sentence serves a purpose.
Read engaging openings from other novels: There’s nothing wrong from studying the masters. Read the opening scenes, first pages, and first chapters of well-regarded novels in your genre, and other genres. See how they hook readers, introduce characters and conflicts, and set the stage for the stories. Draw inspiration from their techniques as you maintain your unique voice and style.
