I've talked about what should be included in that opening scene of your book, let's look at what should not be there.
Past History - I'm not sure about you but when I'm reading a book that opens with a few enticing paragraphs and then settles down to tell you the character's life history finds me skip reading and soon I close the book and read no more. If you must put a bit of back story in, do it st it isn't a long block. A hint or two will stir the reader's curiosity.
Along with this are Flashbacks. Problem with the character remembering a past incident is that this bit breaks the flow of the story. If you need a flashback in the first few pages or the first scene, you may have started at the wrong place in your story.
Long descriptive paragraphs that go on for pages. Often this is done to establish the setting and give atmosphere. Find a way to establish the where and when of the story in a few short sentences. I once critiqued a story where the opening paragraph had me eagerly reading. Then the next five pages were a travelogue of driving along the California coast with no mention of the character, no action or reaction, just pages of description.
So while you're concentrating on the dos remember and avoid the don'ts.
MY PLACES
Past History - I'm not sure about you but when I'm reading a book that opens with a few enticing paragraphs and then settles down to tell you the character's life history finds me skip reading and soon I close the book and read no more. If you must put a bit of back story in, do it st it isn't a long block. A hint or two will stir the reader's curiosity.
Along with this are Flashbacks. Problem with the character remembering a past incident is that this bit breaks the flow of the story. If you need a flashback in the first few pages or the first scene, you may have started at the wrong place in your story.
Long descriptive paragraphs that go on for pages. Often this is done to establish the setting and give atmosphere. Find a way to establish the where and when of the story in a few short sentences. I once critiqued a story where the opening paragraph had me eagerly reading. Then the next five pages were a travelogue of driving along the California coast with no mention of the character, no action or reaction, just pages of description.
So while you're concentrating on the dos remember and avoid the don'ts.
MY PLACES
http://wwweclecticwriter.blogspot.com
BUY MARK
http://bookswelove.net/authors/walters-janet-lane-romance-fantasy-suspense-medical/
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