5 Rules For Chapter One Of Your Book

It was interesting to have my novel in mind when I read through this blog. It’s great advice to focus on when editing that all important first chapter.

Originally posted on Dan Alatorre - AUTHOR:

I… must… read… more!

1. Start the story as late as possible

2. Have a grabber opening

3. Make the reader care, usually via the MC

4. What are the stakes? What can be gained or lost?

5. End with a cliffhanger so we go to chapter 2

Need more info? Let’s read on then, shall we?

(Learn more about writing better stories HERE)

I’m already 45 minutes overdue!

Start the story as late as possible

Most authors bury the really interesting stuff a few paragraphs in, or worse, in chapter two or three. What’s the first interesting thing that happens in your story? Start there.

(Learn about tightening your story HERE)

Have a grabber opening

Holy cow, am I intrigued by this prose!