{"id":28116,"date":"2024-02-27T03:00:27","date_gmt":"2024-02-27T11:00:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/writersfunzone.com\/blog\/?p=28116"},"modified":"2024-02-22T10:57:06","modified_gmt":"2024-02-22T18:57:06","slug":"craft-a-first-chapter-that-will-make-them-read-more-by-laurel-osterkamp","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/writersfunzone.com\/blog\/2024\/02\/27\/craft-a-first-chapter-that-will-make-them-read-more-by-laurel-osterkamp\/","title":{"rendered":"Craft a First Chapter That Will Make Them Read More by Laurel Osterkamp"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><a href=\"https:\/\/writersfunzone.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Craft-a-First-Chapter-That-Will-Make-Them-Read-More-by-Laurel-Osterkamp.png\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-28117 size-full\" title=\"Craft a First Chapter That Will Make Them Read More by Laurel Osterkamp\" src=\"https:\/\/writersfunzone.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Craft-a-First-Chapter-That-Will-Make-Them-Read-More-by-Laurel-Osterkamp.png\" alt=\"Craft a First Chapter That Will Make Them Read More by Laurel Osterkamp\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/writersfunzone.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Craft-a-First-Chapter-That-Will-Make-Them-Read-More-by-Laurel-Osterkamp.png 300w, https:\/\/writersfunzone.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Craft-a-First-Chapter-That-Will-Make-Them-Read-More-by-Laurel-Osterkamp-80x80.png 80w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a>Let\u2019s welcome back <a href=\"https:\/\/writersfunzone.com\/blog\/?s=Laurel+Osterkamp\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Laurel Osterkamp<\/a> as she shares with us \u201cCraft a First Chapter That Will Make Them Read More.\u201d Enjoy!<\/p>\n<p>***<\/p>\n<p><strong>A novel\u2019s first chapter sets the tone, introduces the characters and storyline,<\/strong> and captivates the audience.<\/p>\n<p>It is the first impression that can make or break a book.<\/p>\n<p>Your first chapter should leave readers wanting more and eagerly turning the pages. So let\u2019s explore the key elements of a compelling first chapter that will leave everyone hooked.<\/p>\n<h2><b>1. Start with a gripping opening line<br \/>\n<\/b><\/h2>\n<p>This is easier said than done. For all of my novels, I revised my first line multiple times; there\u2019s just so much pressure to create something powerful.<\/p>\n<p><strong>But the best first lines hint at a vulnerable protagonist while establishing a sense of mystery.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>And sometimes, less is more.<\/p>\n<p>Like in Albert Camus\u2019s <i>The Stranger: <\/i>\u201cMother died today. Or maybe yesterday. I can\u2019t be sure.\u201d<\/p>\n<h2><b>2. Introduce the protagonist and their goal<\/b><\/h2>\n<p>The first chapter must answer two essential questions: Who is the story about, and what does that person want?<\/p>\n<p><strong>Your protagonist\u2019s goal drives the plot forward and it could be anything from finding true love to seeking revenge.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>What matters is making that goal clear from the first page. For example, in J.K. Rowling\u2019s <i>Harry Potter and the Philosopher\u2019s Stone<\/i> we are introduced to Harry, a young boy who lives with his cruel relatives and is constantly reminded of his parent\u2019s death.<\/p>\n<p>His goal is to escape his miserable life and find out more about his mysterious past.<\/p>\n<h2><b>3. Create a sense of urgency and conflict<\/b><\/h2>\n<p>Conflict is the driving force of any story.<\/p>\n<p><strong>There\u2019s external conflict, like a battle or a feud<\/strong>, or internal conflict, where the protagonist\u2019s struggles come from within.<\/p>\n<p>In Suzanne Collins\u2019s <i>The Hunger Games<\/i>, the first chapter introduces us to a world where children are forced to participate in a deadly game for entertainment.<\/p>\n<p><strong>This external conflict creates a sense of urgency and conflict<\/strong>, and readers wonder if Katniss (the protagonist) will survive. But her internal conflict is also apparent.<\/p>\n<p>Readers wonder if she\u2019ll run away and abandon her family, or stay and fulfill her sense of duty.<\/p>\n<h2><b>4. Use sensory details to set the scene<br \/>\n<\/b><\/h2>\n<p>Readers want to be transported to the world of the story, and sensory details play a crucial role in achieving that.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Use descriptive language to paint a vivid picture and use all five senses<\/strong> &#8212; sight, sound, smell, touch, and taste &#8212; to bring the scene to life.<\/p>\n<p>In the first chapter of <i>To Kill a Mockingbird <\/i>by Harper Lee, we are introduced to the town of Maycomb through the eyes of the protagonist, Scout.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Lee uses sensory details to describe the town<\/strong>, making the readers feel like they are walking the streets alongside Scout.<\/p>\n<h2><b>5. Introduce secondary characters<br \/>\n<\/b><\/h2>\n<p>Secondary characters play a vital role in supporting and shaping the narrative.<\/p>\n<p><strong>In the first chapter,<\/strong> these characters give readers a sense of the protagonist\u2019s world.<\/p>\n<p>However, be careful not to overwhelm characters with too many characters.<\/p>\n<p>Make sure the ones you do introduce have a distinct personality and role in the story.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Like in the first chapter of <i>Pride and Prejudice<\/i><\/strong>, Jane Austen introduces Mr. and Mrs. Bennet, the parents of the protagonist, Elizabeth. \u2018<\/p>\n<p>Their contrasting personalities set the stage for the events that unfold.<\/p>\n<h2><b>6. Use dialogue to reveal character traits<\/b><\/h2>\n<p>Dialogue is a powerful way to reveal a character\u2019s personality and motivations.<\/p>\n<p><strong>It should sound natural and flow seamlessly<\/strong>. I know that\u2019s not always easy to do, but as an example, check out the first chapter of <i>The Fault in Our Stars<\/i> by John Green.<\/p>\n<p>The protagonist, Hazel, meets Augustus for the first time, and their witty banter gives readers an insight into their personalities and their budding relationship.<\/p>\n<p>For further help, please check out my column from last month, <a href=\"https:\/\/writersfunzone.com\/blog\/2024\/01\/26\/mastering-banter-for-dynamic-character-relationships-by-laurel-osterkamp\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">How To Master Banter for Dynamic Character Relationships<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2><b>7. End with a cliffhanger or a question<\/b><\/h2>\n<p>The last line of the first chapter is just as crucial as the first.<\/p>\n<p><strong>To make readers want to continue to chapter two<\/strong>, end chapter one on a cliffhanger or pose a question.<\/p>\n<p>In <i>The Girl on the Train<\/i> by Paula Hawkins, the protagonist, Rachel, sees something shocking during her daily commute.<\/p>\n<p><strong>The chapter ends with her questioning what she just witnessed<\/strong>, leaving readers curious and wanting to know more.<\/p>\n<h2><b>8. Keep it concise and to the point<br \/>\n<\/b><\/h2>\n<p>While it is important to include all the necessary elements in the first chapter, it is equally important to keep it concise and to the point.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Avoid lengthy descriptions and too much backstory<\/strong>, as it can slow down the story\u2019s pace.<\/p>\n<p>Stick to the main points and leave the details for later chapters.<\/p>\n<h2><b>9. Revise and edit multiple times<br \/>\n<\/b><\/h2>\n<p>You will most likely need several rounds of revisions and edits to get your first chapter right.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Don\u2019t be afraid to make changes and cut parts that don\u2019t work<\/strong>. Show it to beta readers and gather feedback.<\/p>\n<p>Remember, the first chapter is the first impression, so make it a good one.<\/p>\n<p>By following these tips and examples, you can craft a first chapter that will leave a lasting impact and make readers eagerly anticipate the rest of your story.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Take your time, be creative<\/strong>, and make sure your first chapter introduces your fictional world and characters in a way that your book deserves.<\/p>\n<p>***<\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">About the Author\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/writersfunzone.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Laurel-Osterkamp.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-25376\" title=\"Laurel Osterkamp\" src=\"https:\/\/writersfunzone.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Laurel-Osterkamp-200x300.jpg\" alt=\"Laurel Osterkamp\" width=\"100\" height=\"150\" srcset=\"https:\/\/writersfunzone.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Laurel-Osterkamp-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/writersfunzone.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Laurel-Osterkamp-683x1024.jpg 683w, https:\/\/writersfunzone.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Laurel-Osterkamp-768x1152.jpg 768w, https:\/\/writersfunzone.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Laurel-Osterkamp-640x960.jpg 640w, https:\/\/writersfunzone.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Laurel-Osterkamp.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 100px) 100vw, 100px\" \/><\/a><\/span>Laurel Osterkamp is from Minneapolis, where she teaches and writes like it\u2019s going out of style. Her short fiction has been featured in Abandon Journal, Idle Ink, Tangled Locks Literary Journal, Bright Flash Literary Journal, and The Metawoker, among other places. Her novel <i>Favorite Daughters<\/i> was released last year by Black Rose Writing, and her new novel, <i>Beautiful Little Furies<\/i>, will be released in December.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3>Social Media:<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Website &#8211; <a href=\"https:\/\/laurellit.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/laurellit.com<\/a><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Facebook &#8211; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/authorlaurelosterkamp\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/authorlaurelosterkamp<\/a><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">BookBub &#8211; <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bookbub.com\/profile\/laurel-osterkamp\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">https:\/\/www.bookbub.com\/profile\/laurel-osterkamp<\/span><\/a><br \/>\nInstagram: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/laurel_osterkamp\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Laurel Osterkamp (@laurel_osterkamp) \u2022 Instagram photos and videos<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Laurel Osterkamp helps us to craft a first chapter that will hook your readers. How to introduce your protagonist and more!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":12,"featured_media":28117,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_exactmetrics_skip_tracking":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_active":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_note":"","_exactmetrics_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[20],"tags":[49,2629,75,5631,5016,132,11],"class_list":["post-28116","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-writing-tips","tag-author","tag-beginning","tag-fiction","tag-first-chapter","tag-laurel-osterkamp","tag-novel","tag-writing"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.3 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Craft a First Chapter That Will Make Them Read More by Laurel Osterkamp &#183; Writer&#039;s Fun Zone<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Laurel Osterkamp helps us to craft a first chapter that will hook your readers. 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