#RULE 1 OF STORYWRITING HOW TO#

It's an episode, plot point, or hook that attracts the reader to the tale you are telling. The inciting incident in a novel is an event that creates the initial problem, and then sets the stage for the story. Rule #2: Foreshadow the inciting incident This ensures that the scene will be exciting to read rather than simple description or character introduction. Waiting too long to do this will risk losing your reader's interest, so make sure you write these introductions while starting as close to the inciting incident as possible (more about this in Rule #2). It might also be a foreshadowing of what will incite your character to begin his or her journey. Other times, it might be introducing the antagonist. Sometimes, this might include introducing the main character.

One of the most important goals of your novel's opening scene should be to give your reader an idea of the voice and setting of the story. Rule #1: Introduce the voice and setting of your story Although contemporary novels generally fall under different writing styles and rules than older works, you can look at how other authors within your intended genre have successfully began their stories and use the same techniques for beginning your own.ĭespite the confusion, there really is a perfect way to begin a novel, and we've gathered for you seven easy rules for writing your novel's opening scene. One piece of advice that many authors give regarding determining your opening scene is to look at the opening scenes of some of your favorite books and note the writing tactics used. Even the most seasoned writers will admit that the choice for an opening chapter is likely to change over the course of writing the novel, making the opening scene an ever-evolving (and sometimes elusive) goal. A story's opening scene must attract the reader's attention well enough to make them want to commit to reading the entire book, so it's not a decision to make lightly.

#RULE 1 OF STORYWRITING HOW TO#

One of the most difficult decisions a novelist has to make is how to open a story.

Rule 1 of storywriting