Let’s unlock the secret to capturing your readers’ attention from the very first line. The one thing you can do? Start by asking, “What is my character thinking right now?” Not just about something, but the actual words they’re pondering. This approach isn’t only about setting the scene—it’s about plunging your readers directly into the stakes and the point of view (POV).
Why Start with Your Character’s Thoughts?
Most stories struggle to engage because they don’t begin in the right spot. The very first line of your book should offer more than just information; it should make a promise about what’s to come. This promise is fulfilled through the thoughts, stakes, and emotions of your character, giving immediate insight into their world.
The Magic of Thinking “What Now?”
When you begin with what your character is thinking, you do more than narrate events—you create an intimate connection with the reader. This method sets the tone, establishes the theme, and hints at the central conflict right from the start. For instance, consider classics like “Call me Ishmael” from Moby Dick or the introspective opening of The Great Gatsby, F. Scott Fitzgerald. “In my younger and my more vulnerable years my father gave some advice that I’ve been turning over in my mind ever since.” These aren’t just narrative hooks; they’re peeks into the minds of the characters.
Crafting Your Opening Line
To write a compelling first line:
- Identify the Immediate Stakes: What crucial decision or action is weighing on your character?
- Use Direct Thoughts: Articulate these stakes through the character’s immediate thoughts. This draws readers straight into the emotional landscape of the scene.
- Set the Scene with POV: Start where the action is, but filter it through what your character is thinking about the unfolding events. This not only sets up the action but also deepens the reader’s engagement with your character’s journey.
The One Thing Challenge
Here’s a fun exercise for you: Take a scene you’re working on and rewrite the opening line based entirely on your character’s current thought. It could be a worry, a wish, a fear, or an ambition. See how this shift in focus changes the impact of the scene and draws the reader deeper into the story’s emotional core.
You have the tools to make your first lines irresistible. Think about your character’s deepest concerns and let their thoughts lead your narrative. You can do this!
Go! Write something brilliant!