In the beginning…

The beginning of your story is important!  So important, many authors write and rewrite their first paragraph/page/chapter over and over again.

How do you keep your readers from closing your book?

A hook!  You need a hook.  An emotion or action or attitude that is no going as expected.

To compel your readers to want to continue reading, you must establish a bond. Why does your reader like your characters?  Can your reader: relate or identify with character? Sympathize with inner conflict?

Sometimes, starting a character from the bottom of the heap/their lives and moving them to the top keeps readers interested.

Establish conflict! Internal and external.

AVOID: gimmicks, DREAMS, unnecessary action in story, dramatic quotes etc.

Above all else: TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS! This is your story and you know it best!

Other Articles by Taffy:

• Point of View in Writing
• Characters in the Story

Image via Wikipedia