How to Start a Chapter: Ten Must-Know Tips for Writers

1. Tip 1: Set the Scene. …
2. Tip 2: Start Where the Action Is. …
3. Tip 3: Consider the Theme. …
4. Tip 4: Change the Point of View. …
5. Tip 5: Write What You Feel Like at the Moment. …
6. Tip 6: Start with a Strong Emotion. …
7. Tip 7: Play with Time. …
8. Tip 8: Show Character.

How do you start off a chapter?

5 Ways to Start a Chapter and Keep Your Readers Engaged

1. Begin with action. When in doubt, begin the opening scene of a new chapter with action.
2. Try a new point of view.
3. Reveal new information.
4. Include sensory details.
5. Jump through time.

How do you start a good first chapter?

Key components of the first chapter of a novel

1. Putting your reader into the world (location/setting/time period)
2. Posing a question the reader wants to get an answer for (create mystery or intrigue)
3. Introducing the main character.
4. Setting the mood.
5. Kickstarting the plot development (your inciting incident)

How do you start a first chapter example?

These 10 examples reveal ways to make your chapter beginning count:

• Introduce urgent current or impending action.
• Establish place.
• Begin an intriguing conversation.
• Create a skip in time.
• Give historical context.
• Hint at the focus of coming narrative.
• Share interesting character facts.
• Build narrative suspense.

How do you write a killer first chapter?

Until, of course, you start writing Chapter One.



5 Steps to Writing a Killer First Chapter to WOW Readers

1. Introduce the main character in the first paragraph.
2. Present a problem for your protagonist to wrestle with in Chapter One.
3. Hint at or describe the “back story” in your novel.
4. Always write in the active voice.

What is a good first chapter?

The first chapter should engage readers, introduce your protagonist, and provide a window into the world of your story.
 

How long is a first chapter?

On average, chapters tend to range from 1,000-5,000 words, with most falling in the 2,000-4,000 range. But chapters can be much longer or much shorter. There are plenty of bestselling books where some chapters are only a page and some where they don’t even use chapters in the traditional sense.
 

How should a story start?

Starting Stories: 5 Great Beginning Strategies

1. Strategy 1: Begin with action or dialogue.
2. Strategy 2: Ask a question.
3. Strategy 3: Describe the setting.
4. Strategy 4: Begin with background information.
5. Strategy 5: Have the main character introduce himself or herself.

How do you start a chapter 5?

Understand the components of Chapter 5. Write the introduction to include the problem, purpose, research questions and brief description of the methodology. Review and verify findings for the study. Write the Summary of Findings.

How long should first chapters be?

There are no rules when it comes to chapter length. The important thing is to concentrate on making your chapters fit your story, not on making your story fit your chapters. Many novelists these days prefer chapters that are between 1,500 words—or six book pages— and 8,000 words, or 32 book pages.
 

How do you start a chapter introduction?

How to write an introduction chapter for a thesis

1. Capture the reader’s interest.
2. Give an overview of your research topic.
3. Detail how your research is going to make a contribution.
4. Explain what your interest is in the topic.
5. List your research objectives.
6. Give a forthcoming chapter overview.
7. Learn from others.

How do you start a chapter in first person?

How to start a story in first person: Begin with revealing actions. Don’t tell the reader everything at once. Make your protagonist’s voice identifiable from the start. Make your protagonist’s voice active.

What is the beginning of a book with chapters?

A prologue is a short chapter that usually takes place before the main story begins as a means of granting understanding to the reader. It’s also used to increase intrigue and captivate readers.