Dreame Writing Guides

Part 4 How to Write A Beginning?

I Introduction: 

The start of a novel should attract people to read further, however, readers tend to have less patience with online novels. They search for something that interests them and if they find the story to be complicated or dull, they usually leave.

As such, an easy and smooth opening is of utmost importance.

II Key points: 

1.Simple

For the reader to understand the theme of your story as soon as possible, the story must read well. Allow them to get to know the characters and plot by slowly introducing the relationships and background of the story.

Instead of introducing everything at the beginning, it is better for something simple to happen to the protagonist, which can lead to the next piece of content.

2.Interesting

Colorful development of characters, amusing dialogues or curious events can be the interesting element of your story that increases the reader's desire to know more.

III. Need to define

1. Arrangement

a) A protagonist should appear in the first 100 words and should have dialogue in the next paragraph. The second protagonist should be referred to by the end of the first chapter.

The plot is of course very important for a novel so the protagonists, as the executor of the plots, must appear as soon as possible to lead the content and give the reader something to focus on.

b) In the first 3 chapters the protagonist should be involved in a conflict that makes the reader emotionally invested in the story.

The conflict is the start of the main plot that will make readers want to continue. If you delay this too long then people may get bored and leave.

c) Solve the problem within the next 10000 words (for the total words of the book less than 10k)

If you leave it too late to solve a problem, readers will forget about it and the conflict will lose its importance.

Furthermore, it can be helpful if solving the initial conflict leads to a new problem.

d) Chapters can finish abruptly

A dialogue that ends without an answer, or an unsolved problem can be helpful to engage readers’ curiosity at the end of a chapter.

Example:

Just when they thought everything was OK, a dark shadow appeared in the doorway…

2. Description

a) Memorable but brief descriptions of the protagonist are helpful.

Examples: 

Memorable but brief: He had a twinkle in his eye that could only be described as warmth hotter than sunlight on amber. ----Aries

Detailed but not too in-depth: He had blue eyes, a sharp nose and thin lips.

b) Show the character’s personality through their actions and deeds instead of literally spelling it out.

Examples:

Words and deeds: "Clean yourself up and get something to eat. I will be back in a short while," he ordered. He left and locked the door behind me. --- A Slave to the Dragon King 

Simple introduction: He was arrogant and dominating, the kind of guy that liked to boss people around.

c) An acceptable and attractive idea that makes the story unique.

Examples:

The hero has a multiple personality disorder.

The heroine is an immortal vampire and much older than the Alpha. --- Alpha's Hybrid Mate

d) Introduce aspects of a character that arouse emotions in the reader as soon as possible, for example family conflict or their experience of growing up.

A realistic character may make readers feel empathy, a tragic one may arouse sympathy or one that gradually becomes stronger may have readers rooting for them.

IV Things to avoid…

1.Arrangement

a) Total words of the first chapter should not exceed 1000.

You must try to introduce the most important elements of the story in a relatively brief way, to give the reader time to digest what has happened, while also leaving them in suspense.

b) Number of named characters in the first chapter should not exceed three.

For the purpose of making readers remember your main characters, don’t present too many names in the early stages.

c) Number of scenes in the first chapter should not be more than two.

Because the words in the first chapter should be controlled, it is best to limit the number of scenes to make sure the reader’s attention is not too widely spread. Swift changing of scenes can be confusing.

d) Narrative, like describing the background or environment, should not exceed 30% of one chapter.

You can skillfully narrate the character’s actions and do some scenic depiction, but remember the dialogue is the most intuitive part that attracts the reader.

e) Number of words in one paragraph should not be in excess of 50.

People often like online novels because they’re easy to read, so if your paragraphs are too long, that may make them harder to understand and decrease the readability.

2.Description

a) Do not use more than 5 adjectives for describing a character at one time.

An outstanding adjective is more efficient than several basic ones that have a similar meaning.

It can also be better to describe a character in a way that doesn’t just list their qualities.

Examples:  

List：She was beautiful, charming, pretty, lovely and bright.

Describe the character：Her hair had a shining gold quality to it that always made people look twice. When she caught your eye, it was like falling into a vortex of beauty.

b) Plots that are not connected to the main story line are better off being cut.

A readable novel should always offer the content that your readers are looking for.

If in the next part of the story the protagonist will go to the forest to attack the other group, which is something the readers have been waiting for, if you spend a lot of time describing how they prepare the materials and how they leave their family, your readers may lose patience.

c) Do not make simple mistakes.

The opening is all about leaving a good impression. If you make basic mistakes it can have a negative impact on the reader’s opinion of your story that will be hard to come back from.

                                                                                                                                                                                   BY Blair