295. Your First Chapter: 3 Things That Lose the Reader

You've revised your first chapter so many times you could recite it, and it still isn't pulling a reader in. After years of reading first chapters, here's what I've learned: when one works, it's rarely because of the prose. It's because of what's happening underneath it. Today, I walk you through the three things a reader needs from your first chapter, and how to tell whether yours delivers. IN THIS EPISODE Why your first chapter doesn't have to be perfect before you write the rest of your story The difference between exposition that stalls a chapter and exposition that reveals character The question to ask before any piece of backstory goes into your opening Why the strongest first chapters are built around one event, and how to find yours The difference between your character's big story goal and what they want right now Three questions to ask when your first chapter still isn't working after another round of revision RESOURCE MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Someday This Pain Will Be Useful to You by Peter Cameron SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. Your support helps more writers find the show, strengthen their craft, and finish the stories they want to tell. Thanks for tuning in to Writer Unleashed. See you next week! Stuck in your draft? Join my free live masterclass, From Stuck to Story, and find the structure that's already in what you've written. Save your seat: https://mylivemasterclass.com