10 Tips for Writing a Compelling Introduction to Your Novel
Your readers may start on the first page, but it’s not till they need to know what happens on the second one that they buy your book.
The opening of a novel is crucial in grabbing a reader’s attention and drawing them into your story. A compelling introduction can set the tone for the rest of the book and make readers eager to continue reading. Sure they might have picked up your book in the store because of the pretty cover and the interesting book blurb on the back, but a true reader is going to turn to the first page in your story to make the decision on whether they are going to buy it or not.
You want those first few paragraphs to have them walking to the register in a daze, gaze firmly planted in your story eager to turn the page to find out exactly what happens next.
Here are 10 tips for writing a great introduction to your novel that include everything your reader needs from the beginning of your story.
Start with a hook
Your opening sentence should grab the reader’s attention and make them want to keep reading. It could be a startling fact, a provocative statement, or a question that intrigues the reader. You might have heard the saying that you want to drop your reader into the middle of your story — this doesn’t mean have them ready with a sword in hand ready to charge into battle. The true meaning is that your character needs to be someone before your story has even started and your reader is only just now tuning into their lives when things are just about the start getting good.
Establish the setting
Your readers need to know where and when the story is taking place. Provide enough detail to create a vivid image in their minds. You’ve hooked your reader, but what is it they are seeing? Don’t let your protagonist float around in an empty white room. Speaking of your protagonist —
Introduce the protagonist
The main character should be introduced early on so the reader can begin to identify with them and care about their journey. This doesn’t mean you have to give your reader their entire background, current resume, or the description of their headshot. but a few details such as name, occupation, and life situation can help your reader start to get to know your character and become invested in them.
Create conflict
Here’s the big part of your story. It’s what your reader came to see. Conflict is the heart of any story. Introduce a problem or challenge that the protagonist must overcome. This will make the reader invested in the story and eager to see how the conflict is resolved. If the protagonist doesn’t face any problems and leads a perfectly boring, ordinary life where nothing changes — you have no story. Rip them out of their comfy bed and throw them into a world of chaos.
Use sensory details
We may not walk down the city street and make a note of everything we see, smell, or hear, but if you want your reader to be invested in your story then your narrative is going to have to include these details. Sensory details help to bring the story to life and make it more engaging. Use vivid descriptions of sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and textures to immerse the reader in the story world. Sure you can say your protagonist is walking in New York, but wouldn’t it be better if instead she “strolled down the bustling New York street, the sound of honking taxis and chattering pedestrians filled her ears, while the pungent aroma of hot dogs and pretzels wafted through the air and the rough pavement jostled her feet with each step.”
Show, don’t tell
Instead of telling the reader what’s happening, show them through the actions and dialogue of the characters. This will make the story more dynamic and engaging. This goes hand and hand with using sensory details but paints a more vivid picture. Instead of saying “Elizabeth was angry.” you want your reader to know that she is angry, but without directly telling them she is angry. They need to feel it for themselves. “Elizabeth balled her fists, her nails digging into her palms deep enough to draw blood. Her heart raced and her breaths were coming out in short, sharp gasps.”
Use foreshadowing
Foreshadowing can create tension and anticipation in the reader. Hint at future events or conflicts to keep the reader engaged and guessing. If you open your book with a line such as —
“It was the last time my father held my mother when I was alive. He hasn’t touched her once since I died.” This is going to have your reader wondering what is going to happen, how did she die, whether she is really dead, and all other sorts of questions.
Keep it concise
Your introduction should be brief and to the point. Don’t overwhelm the reader with too much information or backstory. You don’t need to info dump everything about your character or your story onto the reader in the first few pages. If you do this then why are they going to bother to read your story when everything they have is right there for them?
End with a cliffhanger
A cliffhanger at the end of the introduction can leave the reader eager to find out what happens next. It could be a question, a revelation, or a dramatic event that sets the stage for the rest of the story. There’s only so long they’re going to be able to stand in the bookstore holding your novel open before the employees start getting suspicious if they’re going to buy that book they broke the spine on or not. They’re going to need to find out what comes next just like their favorite tv show except for this one they won’t have to wait till the next episode comes out.
Revise and edit
Chances are you won’t get it right the first time. You may not even get it right the second time, but nothing says you won’t get it the third time. Once you’ve written your introduction, revise and edit it until it’s polished and engaging. Ask beta readers or a writing group for feedback to ensure that your introduction is as compelling as it can be.
The opening of your story is important to hook your reader, but it’s nothing you need to beat yourself over the head with your notebook about. If you’re stuck for an attention-grabbing and compelling introduction — skip it. There’s no rule saying you must have it perfect before moving on to the rest of your story.
The most important part is that you keep writing and with time you’ll get the hang of it.
With love,
B.K. xo xo
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About the Creator
Barbara King
Barbara King is a full-time writing coach and novelist. King is a recent college graduate from Southern New Hampshire University where she earned her BA in Creative Writing.
Comments (1)
https://vocal.media/fiction/first-lines-6zgm4s05z9 I tried a whole story of first lines... It can be quite revealing... Thank you!