What is the most important chapter in any novel? Without question, it has to be the first chapter. Start a novel with a dull or uninspiring first chapter and few people will realize the second chapter is great or the 23rd chapter is exceptional, or the final story twist is really amazing.
There are a few things every strong opening chapter must do. It must grip us, set-up a conflict that we find interesting, intrigue us with a strong character, and make the reader wonder what comes next. The writing does not have to be perfect, but it should be crisp and representational of how the rest of the book will be written. No one has to die in the opening for the chapter to grip us. But something in the first chapter has to grab the reader by the throat and say, “You must read the next chapter.”
There are many things to avoid in a first chapter. Don’t overwhelm the reader with elaborate setting descriptions. There will be time for that later. Please don’t throw in details that distract the reader from the gripping action unless those details show us something important about a character. Openings should be fast-paced, so avoid giving back-story in the first chapter. Readers should become invested in characters before we learn why they are who they are.
The most critical part of writing a first chapter is staring that blank page in the face, sneering at it, and beginning. Few people write great chapters from the first draft (I don’t know anyone who does), so expect to revise again and again until you have something that wows. We’ll delve into each aspect of a good first chapter in future blog posts.
By Jeff Altabef, the author of the new thriller Fourteenth Colony. I donate half of my proceeds to the Covenant House, so enjoy a great book and help homeless kids at the same time!http://www.amazon.com/Fourteenth-Colony-ebook/dp/B00C2D97OS/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&sr=1...
