#234: 5 Big First Chapter Mistakes (and How To Avoid Them)

In this episode, we’re zeroing in on one of the most important (and most rewritten) parts of your novel: the first chapter.A strong first chapter doesn’t need to be long or dramatic, but it does need to hook the reader, ground them in the world of the story, and raise a question they’re eager to follow.If you’ve ever found yourself stuck on your opening pages, rewriting again and again, wondering if it’s working, this episode will help you identify and avoid common problems, and more important, revise your first chapter so that it hooks and holds your reader. In this episode, we'll break down:5 of the most common first chapter fails, and what to do insteadKey questions to ask when revising your openingHow to avoid overwhelming the reader and keep them engaged page after pageIdeal first-chapter length ranges for different genres, and what matters more than word countEpisode Web PageStructure your story with this FREE 3-Act Worksheet. Go beyond outlining and write a story that keeps readers hooked from beginning to end.   Grab your FREE Worksheet here.