Thread: Good things to consider when writing the introductory chapter of a novel.

After various failed attempts at writing a novel, I found that part of it was because the beginning of my stories nearly always made things harder, instead of easier. I now understand that it's preferable to start at a point with enough relevance and ease of exposition; that helps the reader to understand what's going on quicker, and also the writer to make things flow more naturally.

But that's not as easy as it seems. Imitating another work doesn't always work. Waking up at school, when it's only mentioned because the main character is underage, makes things more difficult even if it worked well for a more slice-of-life story.

What's good to consider when choosing the starting point of a novel?

Generally speaking, a first chapter should hook the reader and leave them with a few unanswered questions which will hopefully make them want to read on to the next. Depending on your genre you may wish to start in the middle of the action. Consider the following two passages: John woke up, got dressed, and went downstairs to make breakfast. Contrast it to: The bedroom window shattered inward, and John threw off his sheets with a start, his eyes darting around the room as he tried to make sense of what was happening. I think you'll agree the first one is blasé and uninteresting. The second one might hold your attention and could hook you enough to make you keep reading.

Your first chapter is your selling point. It's what most readers read when they pick up a novel in a book store. For that reason, it's the one you need to concentrate on the most. Avoid flashbacks and info-dumps like the plague. Definitely don't start with "It was a dark and stormy night". Try to avoid telling the life story of your main character until later in the novel.

Much of this is generic advice, however. Knowing what genre you write might help a little.

I like writing slice-of-life or fantasy settings, if not mixing them up. I'd also love to write mystery, but I know that's no easy feat. Either way, I've found that there is really no hard rule on starting a first chapter. I think sometimes the "wake up in the morning and make breakfast" might be a good point to start if there is actually something important to portray.

In the case of a slice-of-life setting, I think starting a bit before things get in motion is a good start. But taking too long is not a good idea, either.

I think there is a delicate balance in an introduction, and it all depends on what your story is all about. That's what I think makes it all the more complex.

There's lots of things that I feel are worth giving heavy thought to at the start. I may not think about all of these, or even most, but I try to remind myself of them as I start or plan my start.

Introducing the setting: I try to establish the environment immediately, so the reader can see where things are taking place. If I get a page in before the reader knows my setting, if it's not our modern world, I feel like I'm going to startle the reader out of the story before it's started.
Dropping names: I try to get at least a couple key characters (protagonists or otherwise) into the first couple scenes, and stay on them long enough for the reader to identify them. I try not to involve more than a few important characters at the start, so there's no competition for the reader's memory.
Coax them in: If my story is not a run of the mill setting, or my storyline unusual, I try to let the reader know early, but introduce specific elements slowly, so the reader has time to digest and absorb, rather than being thrown in and overwhelmed with detail.
Take Advantage of package settings: if my story has magic, I show it right away. I don't need to explain or justify it, because it's been a staple of fantasy for a very long time. It's the same with gods. If I'm writing in an already established setting, I'm loose with elements that will go unquestioned (unicorns and minotaurs) but will have to go into more detail and justification of unusual elements (the minicorn and unitaur).
In Media Res: I agree with you that it's good to start before the serious stuff gets rolling, but starting mid-action doesn't necessarily mean starting in the middle of the important action. As a variation on Sam's example, consider this: The cereal was soggy already. How long had John been sitting here, staring at the empty seat across from him? Four months, two weeks and six days. His glance slid to the brick fireplace, and the faded wedding photo on the mantle.

Those are my top-of-the-skull tidbits. Great topic! I like the comments so far and am looking forward to reading more.

Originally Posted by Slugfly

In Media Res: I agree with you that it's good to start before the serious stuff gets rolling, but starting mid-action doesn't necessarily mean starting in the middle of the important action. As a variation on Sam's example, consider this: The cereal was soggy already. How long had John been sitting here, staring at the empty seat across from him? Four months, two weeks and six days. His glance slid to the brick fireplace, and the faded wedding photo on the mantle.

Those are my top-of-the-skull tidbits. Great topic! I like the comments so far and am looking forward to reading more.

That was really funny! That made my day!

Anyway, really great tips. All the things you mentioned are really worth considering when writing the first chapter. I'm going to remember those.

Begin as you mean to go on. (Start with adventure if the book is adventure, violence if violence is central, romantic thoughts in a romance novel, etc...)

Set up the promises that you mean to fulfill by the end of the book. (Think about where you want the book to go and begin foreshadowing and creating the environment for the end of the book/story right away)