Resources to Write a First Chapter |

Writing a first chapter can be confusing. What do you include? What elements need to be in the chapter? What are readers looking for?

I’ve taken the confusion out of it. I’ve created a packet that you can download and fill out with all the necessary components of a fantastic first chapter.

First impressions matter. Most readers won’t give you more than a chapter to hook them, if even that much. You have to use your first chapter to lure readers in and keep them invested in your story. Whether you are going the traditional route or self-publishing, your first chapter matters!

First Chapter Elements

A successful first chapter will have the following elements:

A Hook
Intriguing Characters
A Setting that Grounds the Reader
Realistic Dialogue that Propels the Story Forward
Conflict
Scene Goals
Allusion to Story Question
Clean Copy
A Reason to Keep Reading

I’ve also created a course, Writing a Fantastic First Chapter, that goes into much more detail on not only what to include but how to include the components. I also share examples so you can gain a solid understanding.

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I’ve just created the packet in the video and it’s available here. I’ve also created other resources for writers, such as a Character Creation Packet, a Novel Outlining Packet, A Novel Overview Printable, and others that will help you simplify and streamline your writing process.

Writing a Novel

Writing a novel is hard work. Don’t let anyone tell you differently. It takes a ton of brain power to create a compelling story that sucks readers in. And there is no “get published quick” scheme. But, I’ve created resources to help you.

I wish I’d had resources like this to help me. It would have saved me so much time and so many headaches. Now that I’ve written over a dozen novels, I’ve figured a few things out and I want to share them with you.

I love being a writer. I love creating a world and populating them with “people” and taking a reader on a journey. I love working through plot issues and trying to get the dialogue just right. I love how words sound together.

But it is work, work, work.

Published Book

There is nothing quite like having a published book to hold because it’s a representation of all the hard work that went into creating a story that might touch someone else. The work is worth it!

You don’t have to make more work for yourself, especially when you’re trying to get that first chapter right. Let me help you navigate it. I’ve been there, done that. I can help you!

***Have you received my FREE course: Become an Idea Factory? You can click here to learn more about it. It’s a 7-day course delivered right to your inbox that helps you learn how to generate ideas. I know these techniques work because I use them! Find out more here.

***Do you need help organizing your ideas for your novel? I have developed an Outline Design Packet to help other writers organize their thoughts and arrange scenes so they don’t have to interrupt their writing time. This is what I use to outline my books.

***If you need some help creating your characters, download my free Character Design Packet here. It will help you create compelling, unforgettable characters that will make your story come alive.

***Need help writing your first chapter? Check out my course: Writing a Fantastic First Chapter.

In this course, Writing a Fantastic First Chapter, you will learn what components you need to include in your first chapter to hook readers. With examples and assignments, you will put into practice what you learn and you can ask questions all along the way. A first chapter checklist, a character sheet, and a character interview are all included as downloads.

Don’t try to write a first chapter in the dark. This course will shine the light on what elements you need to help you navigate writing the all-important first chapter, so you can win over readers.

***Do you already have a manuscript? If you can’t afford an editor, you might be interested in Pro Writing Aid Writing Software. This writing software helps you improve your writing to be the best it can be. It’s like having your own private editor for a fraction of the price. You can try it for free for 2 weeks. You can click here to learn more about it.