by Patricia Gilliam

Created on: June 27, 2010

Preparation is the main key to creating an excellent first chapter for your novel.  When you first start writing, there's a tendency to want to dive in because you're excited.  The only problem is this can cause you to write yourself into a corner during future chapters, creating writer's block and discouragement to continue.  Novels are long-term projects, and if you're going to invest your life into creating one you need a plan.  Here are some tips I've discovered after writing three full-length novels within the same series:

1)  Not All Novels are Written in a Linear Format

The best way I can explain this is more common in television and film where the opening scene is at a present point and the following scenes go back in time and work their way forward.  With certain genres, it's important as a writer to know your ending first and have everything else structured toward building conflict and then later the resolution.

2)  Characters Drive Your Entire Story, So Put a Lot of Effort Into Them First

I use character templates, creating a detailed profile of each character's traits to the point they're believable.  Your first chapter is your opportunity to introduce your characters through dialogue and action.  Don't just list their traits like a laundry list, or the amount of detail may bog down your pacing to the point your reader loses interest.

3)  Experiment and Get Feedback

If you have different ideas for an opening, run it by a group of trusted friends to see which one grabs more attention.  It's the equivalent of market-testing with any other product.

4)  Having Multiple Drafts is a Normal Part of the Process

In many cases,  you'll have become a better writer toward the end of your first draft and can refine what you've done before on your second and following passes.  Pay attention to pacing, writing tight (cutting out unnecessary words), character development, sensory information (to draw in your reader into the setting), and overall structure of the chapter.

5)  End On a Moment of Suspense

This will propel the reader into wanting to go on to the next chapter.  This will continue to work well until you reach the resolution portion of the book where tension fades down.

I hope you've found these tips helpful, and best wishes on your next project.

Learn more about this author, Patricia Gilliam.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.