Before I tell you why you should never try to write your first page first, first let's talk about the first page.
The first page of your novel is arguably the most important page of your entire manuscript. Writing it can be very challenging, especially if you don't know the key elements and their importance.
Think of your first page as a part of your marketing strategy because, it’s where readers decide whether they want to invest their time (and sometimes money) into your story. Lose them on the first page, and there's a good chance they'll put your book back on the shelf.
Crafting an engaging first page is a delicate balance that can go awry in many ways, but if executed correctly, it can be the hook that keeps readers turning the pages. Here’s what your first page needs to do and how you can avoid common pitfalls.
Five Things Your First Page Needs to Do Well
1. Grab Attention Immediately: The first few sentences need to captivate your reader. Whether it’s a gripping action scene, an intriguing piece of dialogue, or a shocking revelation, your initial lines should draw the reader in instantly. For example, starting with a dramatic moment or a puzzling statement that prompts questions can keep readers hooked.
2. Establish Tone and Mood: The tone of your novel should be crystal clear from the first page. Be it a dark thriller, a whimsical fantasy, or a heartfelt romance, the mood and tone should resonate with readers at once. This helps set expectations and aligns the reader’s emotions with the journey they are about to embark on.
3. Introduce Your Protagonist: Readers need to meet your main character early on. A compelling protagonist with relatable conflicts or intriguing traits can make readers want to follow his/her story. Provide enough detail to give them a sense of who your character is but be sure to leave room for growth and development.
4. Present the Setting: The setting is the backdrop of your story and can enhance the narrative significantly. By giving readers a taste of the world your characters inhabit, you add depth and context to the story. Whether it’s a bustling city, a small-town village, or a dystopian future, a vivid and engaging setting can pull readers deeper into the narrative.
5. Hint at the Central Conflict: Even though the main conflict of the story hasn’t fully unfolded yet, there should be hints or foreshadowing that show the challenges ahead. This doesn’t mean revealing the entire plot, but providing a glimpse of the stakes involved can keep readers intrigued.
Five Ways the First Page Can Go Awry
1. Opening with a Dream Scene: Starting with a dream can mislead readers and create a sense of betrayal when they realize the events aren’t real. It’s often seen as a cliché and can confuse the narrative flow.
2. Naming Too Many Characters Too Soon: Introducing a slew of characters all at once can overwhelm the reader and make it difficult to set up who’s who. It’s better to focus on your protagonist and maybe one or two other key characters to start.
3. Jumping into Flashbacks: Flashbacks can be jarring if used too early. They disrupt the forward momentum of the story and can create confusion about the timeline. Keep the narrative moving forward initially and weave in backstory pieces, as necessary.
4. Heavy Exposition: Loading the first page with too much background information can slow down the pace, bore your reader, put them to sleep. Instead, weave exposition into the narrative organically as the story progresses.
5. Lack of Interesting Elements: If the first page lacks intrigue, uniqueness, or emotional pull, readers might lose interest quickly. Avoid mundane descriptions or overly general scenarios that don’t add any specific value to the story.
Five Suggestions for Starting Your First Page
1. Action Scene, Engaging Event, or the Inciting Incident: Start with a moment of action or an event that’s crucial to the plot. This immediately immerses readers and sets a dynamic tone for the book.
2. Intriguing Dialogue: Open with a piece of dialogue that raises questions or reveals something critical about the characters. Dialogue can efficiently show relationships and pull readers into the scene.
3. Character's Inner Thoughts: Introducing the protagonist through his/her internal dialogue can quickly ground readers in their perspective and emotions, creating an immediate connection.
4. Unique Voice: Employ a distinctive narrative voice that reflects the personality of the protagonist or the tone of the book, making the story stand out from the get-go.
5. Unexpected Elements: Incorporate an element of surprise or something unusual. This can be a plot twist, an unexpected setting, or an odd character trait that piques curiosity.
Crafting a compelling first page requires a blend of engaging action, well-developed characters, and hints of conflict, all while avoiding common pitfalls.
So, now, as I promised above, I urge your to consider drafting your first page, leaving it in draft form, and going on to author your book. This approach will allow you to understanding more completely what needs to occur on the first page.
For me, it’s hard to know for sure what I need to write on that initial page, especially because I don’t always know exactly how my story will develop. I like to let those creative juices fill out my plot. When the story is complete in my head, then I’m much more confident trying that first page.
And, note, I have written my first pages over and over again, in an effort to get it where I want to grab readers' attention so that they can't resist turning the pages.
What are your key approaches to writing a first page? Does writing it first work for you? Tell us how. What do you struggle with when writing the first page?
By the way, your first line is extremely important, too. Be sure to read my blog on Writing Your First Line.
Thanks for reading and happy writing!
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