Hi Everyone, I would like to know what it is you expect to read from the 1st 3000 words of the the 1st chapter of book. Would you like to know eveything of the main character and some details on the supporting one. When would you like to read what the book is all about, when do you expect the 1st obtacle for the character to take place? Thanks a lot, Regards,
Hi Carmelita, an extract from chapter one of my unfinished novel, would you read on,that is the question you need to ask your self ?
“Hello ”
“Is that you Harry” a well spoken Edinburgh accent asked
“Who’s this”
“I would lose some of that evidence you have for the trial tomorrow Harry",
“Go to hell”
“I would but I have a few things to do first, did you know that I am now into the gee geees”
“So”
“Yes Harry I have a couple of Donkeys at Portobello beach”,
The awful truth began to dawn on Harry, Sophie! O my god,
No, I don't need too much information at the start. I need to find the book/story interesting.
If a book has not sparked my interest by the end of the 1st page, then generally, I won't read it.
I'm looking for intrigue.
Good writers have a way of developing intrigue, and if they want to "hook a reader", one way to do this is by "Foreshadowing" or "hinting" what might follow.
Stories thrive on "conflict".
If it's a standard action plot, the main character should struggle at the start of the story and be faced with conflict and difficulties to make his or her task even more difficult so that the tension rises dramatically to a point (the crisis point), where the character's task seems impossible.
By this point, I'm wanting to know how he or she is going to solve this.
I like "secrets". "He had a dark secret he dare not tell anyone." She had her own issues.
I like "twists". Unexpected events.
The story must flow, and be easy to follow, not confusing.
Finally, the story must deliver right the way through to the end, and the end must leave me begging for more.
I want to be in a place, a situation, a dilemma or somewhere I find intriguing and compelled to read on from. I don't want to be aware that the writer is sticking to rules (even if they are) and I detest introductions which are overly familiar with me.
I'll not read beyond 50 pages if I'm left disinterested or fall to sleep. Life is too short and there are too many good reads yet to be had so I'll not waste my time.