Posted on June 10, 2012 - by Nicole Humphrey Cook

Beginnings: The First Few Pages

How do you start your book?

A strong opening is very important to a good story and a good book. Many people glance at the first few pages when thinking about reading a book; if it doesn’t grab them then, you’ve lost a potential reader.

One of the best pieces of advice I ever got, was to start your book with conflict. Almost immediately. Somewhere in the first chapter, or the first scene, or the first paragraph or even the first sentence. {I often challenge myself to come up with the best first line I can, something that will totally make people want to read more.}

Creating conflict immediately is the fastest way to engage your reader in your story. It often gives you a chance to introduce characters immediately as well. But the key to a good opening, is definitely conflict.

But this goes even further than just “create conflict”. Basically your opening (scene or even chapter) should have some sort of conflict (could be between anyone) which is not only introduced immediately, but developed and resolved right away as well. But during this mini-conflict – there should also have a much bigger conflict introduced as well. Basically by the time the opening scene conflict ends, the larger conflict should have been introduced and be unfolding.

This is how you get a reader engaged and hold them. They will immediately find themselves wanting to know what happens next, what will the outcome be?

First Lines

Just focusing on your first line right now?

Your first line should be something catchy; or something funny. Make it something that grabs attention or makes the reader think or even ask their own questions. Something that lets us see their personality right off the bat is always very good.

A conversation pertinent to the story between the two main characters that might establish personality and relationships will help draw the reader into the story much quicker than just some random line, or even some random conversation.

It’s really important that whatever type of opening line or scene, you choose to open with is related to the story and sets the mood for the rest of the book. Obviously this doesn’t always work, so as long as it sets the mood for what you want to convey during that first part of your story.

How do you find your opening material? How do you start your stories? Do you struggle with this part, and if not – what part is the most challenging for you?