For beginner authors, here's 4 ways not to start a first chapter! We all make these mistakes, so don't be too hard on yourself, but let me explain what I mean.

1. With a dream
This is honestly cliche. Sure, J.K. Rowling did it in "Harry Potter and the Goblet of FIre," but that was an exception. (There are always exceptions). As a general rule, don't start in a dream. Too many people have done it and it immediately starts off your book with an "already done before" feel. Just don't, unless you really know what you're doing.

2. Too many characters
Don't overwhelm your reader with too many characters. Focus on the main character and really work to connect your reader with that character. You might have a big cast of important characters, but there's always one that matters most.

3. New world with no explanation
I recently read a book where there was a ton of amazing world-building, but none of it was explained. I felt lost, like I'd dropped into a sequel of a series without reading the book. I gave up reading because I was too confused to connect to anything. Even the best writers trip up here.

4. No conflict
Conflict doesn't always mean a major fight scene. You can start off the book with social tension, or conflict of other sorts. So long as you have conflict to keep your reader engaged with a character they care about.

свернуть