THAT FANTASTIC FIRST CHAPTER, by Mollie Hunt, Cat Writer

 

I don’t mean to harsh the buzz of creativity, but the opening chapter—and in fact, the opening line—may be the most important part of your book. The story ark, the sub-plots, and the satisfying ending are important as well, but it’s those first words that will be read ten times more often than any other part of the work. You will recite them at presentations and send them out in your first chapter promo; potential readers will pursue them as they decide whether to take a chance on your novel. It is worth it to make sure these first words are well-written, enticing, and ultimately catchy. 

It took me a long time to remember this when I was starting a new book. My instinct is to start with whatever the story whispers in my creative ear and go from there. Sometimes that includes a catchy beginning, but often it doesn’t. I’ve found myself coming back more than once to make the opening more enticing. This isn’t easy—altering something once it’s written does not come naturally to me. 

Now after many years and many books, I’m finally getting the hang of it. Catchy first sentence. Intriguing first section that when read at presentations or publish as an excerpt, will entice people to buy the book. 

 I’m currently starting a new cozy mystery. Have I taken my own advice? Not really. But at least I’m thinking about it before I’m typing “the end.” I foresee an intense edit session in my near future. 

What are your thoughts about tailoring your work to the promo you will inevitably be required to give? Commercialism? Professionalism? Superfluous? Is it better just to shut up and write?

Cat Writer Mollie Hunt is the award-winning author of two cozy series, the Crazy Cat Lady Mysteries and the Tenth Life Mysteries. Her Cat Seasons Sci-Fantasy Tetralogy features extraordinary cats saving the world. Mollie also pens a bit of cat poetry. Mollie is a member of the Oregon Writers’ Colony, Sisters in Crime, the Cat Writers’ Association, and Northwest Independent Writers Association (NIWA). She lives in Portland, Oregon with her husband and a varying number of cats. Like her cat lady character, she is a grateful shelter volunteer. You can find Mollie Hunt, Cat Writer on her blogsite: https://molliehuntcatwriter.com/