I have decided to read as many first chapters of bestselling authors, as I can find and see if I can learn how to write a good, if not great first chapter.
Why? Because I know my book is good, it has potential. But I also know that my first chapter does not really pull the reader in. And with querying you only have a few sentences to get that agent to like your work or they will politely say ‘’No’’ and send you a nice rejection letter.
So that is my plan. What about you? Do you have the magic first chapter or are you looking for the secret magic formula too?
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I am indeed looking for a secret formula too, and have done a couple of posts on first chapters myself (a thriller and a romance). Interested to see what conclusions you come up with, please post about it. What genre is your book?
ReplyDelete-mood
Moody Writing
I read and read and read brilliant how to books, then just got on with it, and it seems to be working. Hugs.. (ps. I write mainly for children but some for grown-ups)
ReplyDeleteI've basically worked with my critique partners on my first chapter and tried to do the best I can while working at increasing my knowledge on the writing craft. Good luck on getting your first chapter in great shape!
ReplyDeleteLooking for the magic formula for the second chapter, the first one is easy...LOL!
ReplyDeleteI wish there was a secret formula or a magic pill, but starting at the beginning and grabbing the reader is the best place to start.
ReplyDeleteGood luck!
Admit I never thought to read just first chapters. That's very clever.
ReplyDeleteMaryV
That's definitely an interesting idea. It will be great to read how you get on with it.
ReplyDeleteMooderino - I write romance novels. My first novel was written for the paranormal/urban fiction genre. I also recently completed a historical romance novel. And I will definitely write about what I discovered with the first chapter idea but it will probably only be after the A-Z challenge. Thank you so much for coming by. I truly do appreciate it.
ReplyDeleteCarole - I think it is tough to write children's books. So two very enthusiastic thumbs up for you. Thank you so much for stopping by.
Sarah - Thank you and thank you for stopping by.
Siv - Lucky you! I am jealous. Ha! Ha!
Debora - Thank you so much. I am totally committed to making that first chapter awesome. Thank you for stopping by.
Mary - Thank you. I am sure I can learn something from this experiment and I will be sure to share whatever I came up with.
Rebecca - Thanks. Also thank you very much for stopping by and following my blog. I will write about the discoveries I will make, but probably only after the A-Z challenge.
Hi there :) Share with us if you do find the secret formula!!! Mine are still trial and error..
ReplyDeleteFollowing you from A-Z challenge!
Ju - Trial and error is the best, but I am tired of rejection letters. I will definitely share what ever I come up with. Thanks for stopping by and following my blog.
ReplyDeleteAs a reader I don't really judge the book by the the first chapter... I don't know, maybe I'm different ;) Sometimes the action is slow, but I tend to stick with it.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, nice ot meet you through the A-Z challenge :)
Bz - Thank you for stopping by and commenting. It was very nice meeting you as well.
ReplyDeletehere via the A to Z challenge. Sounds like a good start. I'm not a writer, but I'm a reader. I can't imagine my life without reading and like Bz, I don't judge a book by the first chapter. If I did, I never would have read and finished The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo because it was a good 150 or more pages into that book before I was hooked.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with YOUR book!
michelle
http://meanderingwithmiche.blogspot.com/
Hi, Stopping by from the A to Z challenge. Love your posts! I am always looking for that secret magic formula, and am curious to see what you find!
ReplyDeleteMichelle - I wish I had your endurance when it comes to books. If I can't get past the first two chapters I call it quits. Thank you so much for stopping by.
ReplyDeleteAnna - Thank you so much for stopping by and following my blog. Hopefully I can actually find that secret formula.
Hang in there. Rejection is a part of the formula, just keep trying.
ReplyDeleteI clicked on your site from the "Surprise Me" button for the AtoZ Challenge. My H is about Historical Humor. If you have a chance, please check it out.
Joyce
http://joycelansky.blogspot.com
Joyce - Thank you so much for stopping by. I will check out your blog. Thanks so much for the invite.
ReplyDeleteGreat idea! I've never thought about doing this. I hope my first chapter has magic but maybe I should test it against some of the greats.
ReplyDeleteShelley - Thank you. Both my critique partners have said that my first chapter is the let-down, so now I have come up with this idea. I hope I can get some new ideas. And I bet your first chapter is magic. Thank you for stopping by.
ReplyDelete