In this episode of SWRT, Alida, Matt, and Kathryn discuss what it takes to write a compelling first scene. We break down the critical elements and discuss some examples.
Show Notes:
Want to know what it takes to write a good opening? How do you hook your reader and get them invested in your story? How do you create character empathy and what are the action steps that you need to take in order to write a great opening?
What we talked about:
What makes a great opening? How do you hook a reader? What does it take to get a reader invested in your story in the first page or sentence? (0:18)
How have you created intrigue in your opening? Have you led the reader to ask an unresolved question? (6:13)
Can you start without the character? (9:35)
How do you establish depth of character? When have you gone deep enough into your character to hook those reader? (11:27)
How do you create character empathy? (18:18)
What you should take away from this episode. (24:25)
Things we mentioned:
Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson
Saturday by Ian McEwan
Enduring Love by Ian McEwan
