by Nick Somoski

Created on: May 23, 2009   Last Updated: February 23, 2012

I love to read. And, I am one to judge a book by its first chapter. I do this for good reason, of course, and after the first chapter in many novels, I put the book away. My friends will tell me that it gets much better as it goes on, but how believable is this? If the first chapter isn't going to hold my attention, why should the rest of the book do so?

This is what I believe. The first chapter of any book needs to be good. It needs to suck you in from the very first sentence, and if it doesn't, then it probably won't get any better as (or if) you keep reading.

Keeping this in mind, there are many things a writer can do to make their first chapter excellent in a novel.

The first chapter in most books is normally about introducing the characters and the setting, and giving the reader information to let them know what will happen in the coming chapters. This is what a first chapter should be, so I have no problem with that. But, while continuing to do this, there shouldn't be a problem with keeping it fun and exciting. A first chapter should still offer the reader creativity and some sort of a plot to follow.

All first chapters need that "hook." The reader should immediately be pulled into the world you've created with your characters and setting. You need the reader to want to keep reading and find out what happens next, and this is what a first chapter should always do. How to create your hook is up to you. I love reading descriptive writing, and I think this is always a great way to start off a book. Perhaps you want to keep the reader "guessing." Keep the first chapter really mysterious, not giving away much information. Doing this will almost make the reader keep reading on, just to discover what happens next.

Starting off immediately with action is also a good idea. Again, be descriptive with everything! Excitement can easily be added by starting off with an action scene. Quotes could also be used to start off the chapter, whether it be from someone famous or one of the characters. Dialogue is a must to pick up the pace, which can sometimes be slow in the initial chapter.

The problems and arising conflict should be brought up in the first chapter, while remaining open to be familiarized in coming chapters. The main characters, both static and dynamic, should be introduced, and the setting should always be made clear. I like a lot of detail in my books, and doing this from the beginning will entice the reader to continue on.

The chapter should always end with a hook. To end, set up an event, have the characters involved, and leave it open to be finished in the next chapter. The introductory chapter doesn't have to set up how the entire book will play out, but it does need to be the framework for what will happen next. If you have all of these things included in your first paragraph, you will no doubt have me engaged for the entire book!

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