4 Tips on Writing the Beginning of Your Story (So It Doesn't Suck)

Summary

This video focuses on the importance of writing impactful opening pages for a story. The speaker, Cameron, a writer and editor, shares practical techniques to engage readers from the start. Key points include the need to introduce conflict early, avoid lengthy setups, and pace the story effectively by starting scenes late and ending them early. The video also emphasizes the value of keeping the cast of characters small in the beginning to avoid overwhelming readers. The insights aim to help writers craft gripping introductions while maintaining momentum throughout their stories.

Takeaways

• 📖 The start of a story is crucial for grabbing the reader's attention and setting the tone.
• ✍️ Conflict should be introduced early in the story, and it must feel urgent and important to the character.
• ⏳ Avoid lengthy introductions—get to the conflict quickly and engage the reader immediately.
• 🚪 Start the scene as close as possible to the main action, and end it early to maintain tension.
• 👥 Focus on a small cast of characters at the beginning to avoid confusing the reader.
• 🎢 The story's pacing should alternate between high and low tension moments, allowing the reader time to breathe.
• 🔄 Consider creating emotional or thematic echoes by starting and ending scenes or chapters with the same idea.
• ❌ Avoid spending too much time on world-building or backstory in the beginning; focus on what's happening now.
• 🤔 Each chapter should feel like its own mini-story, with a clear beginning, middle, and end, to keep the reader engaged.
• 📝 Readers appreciate seeing the payoff of promises made early in the story, showing the author can deliver a fulfilling narrative arc.

Q & A

Why is the start of a story considered important according to the speaker?

The start of a story is crucial because it grabs the reader's attention, sets the tone for the rest of the narrative, and serves as the first impression. It's also important for establishing the hook that draws the audience into the story.

What does the speaker recommend for creating an effective story opening?

The speaker recommends starting the story with a clear and pressing conflict that is significant to the character. This problem should be urgent and something the character needs to act on immediately.

What is the significance of the principle 'getting in late and leaving early' in storytelling?

This principle suggests starting the story or scene as close as possible to the central conflict and ending it before full resolution. This approach creates a strong hook and leaves readers wanting to know what happens next, which can improve pacing and engagement.

How should backstory and the 'normal world' be handled in the opening of a story?

The speaker advises avoiding lengthy introductions and too much focus on the 'normal world.' While it's important to establish this setting, the story should quickly move to the main conflict rather than spending too much time on setup.

What does the speaker say about pacing in the opening pages of a story?

Pacing in the opening pages should be quick, focusing on the main conflict. By starting the story late and cutting out unnecessary buildup, the pacing remains strong and engaging, pulling the reader into the narrative quickly.

Why is it important to keep the cast of characters small at the beginning of a story?

Introducing too many characters early in the story can overwhelm and confuse the reader. The speaker suggests focusing on the core cast, particularly those who are essential for the first part of the story, to build emotional investment with the reader.

What is the 'roller coaster' technique in pacing that the speaker mentions?

The 'roller coaster' technique refers to alternating between high and low tension throughout the story. While tension should remain high, occasional moments of release can provide relief to the reader, especially in non-thriller genres where constant high tension might be exhausting.

How can 'closing the circle' be used as a storytelling technique?

'Closing the circle' refers to starting and ending a scene or chapter with a similar emotional beat, theme, or line. This creates a sense of completeness and can highlight a character's deeper understanding or emotional growth, giving a satisfying arc to the reader.

What are some common problems in story openings that the speaker highlights?

Common problems include being too lengthy, overloading on backstory, starting the story too far from the conflict, and introducing too many characters at once. These issues can slow down the pacing and make the story less engaging.

How does the speaker recommend structuring multiple chapters in a story?

The speaker suggests maintaining a pattern of 'getting in late and leaving early' across chapters. This structure ensures that each chapter is engaging and leads smoothly into the next, keeping the reader hooked and curious about what happens next.