There’s something so thrilling and delicious about reading a really hooky first sentence or engaging first pages in a book – you just know you’re about to be taken on a great ride.
Is there a writer on the planet who doesn’t want their first pages to thrill, delight and intrigue?
I’m guessing no.
And on a practical level – first pages are generally the first thing judges, editors, publishers and assessors get to see of your work. So take a moment to answer these questions.
There’s no right answer – they’re simply a list of provocations to help you ensuree your first pages are as awesomely shiny as they can be.
Welcome to your Better First Pages Checklist.
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What do your first pages set up about your story? The when, the where, the who or the what? It can be any one or more of these – there’s no hard and fast rule.
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How do your first pages create intrigue for the reader i.e. a reason to read on? What hooks them in?
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Which words, images or scenarios have you used to establish when in time your story occurs? Is there a more evocative, original or intriguing way?
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How have you established the setting i.e. the where?
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How have you established who the story is about i.e. the who?
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What characterisation techniques have you used to introduce them?
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How do you want the reader to feel about this character?
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What techniques have you used to achieve this?
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What language have you used to evoke the senses or emotions?
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Are there better more evocative words you could use?
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How would you describe the pace of your piece?
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What techniques have you used to create that sense of pace?
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What does your first line do for you narratively speaking?
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Once you’ve answered this go try it out on somebody and ask about their response.