Getting the opening right!

[Harry Arkle]

Hi Everyone,
I'm a newbie writer. Quite the novice in this area of 'art'. I have lots of ideas swimming around inside my head. But there's the dilemma - getting the opening sentence right, and sculpting the first chapter to give just enough to hook the reader into NEEDING to read the next chapter. I know there's probably not a formula to success, but could you more experienced writers help me out?

"H"

[Romy Thomas]

Hi Harry,

I'm interested to know if you have written the rest of the novel yet. I know some writers who don't write the beginning until they have finished the rest of the first draft. My own experience is that I don't know where the story starts until I've written it - if that makes sense. It may be that once it's settled, some of it wants to be told in 'flashback', with the opening section coming from further on in the plot. Or that the story works better if the reader comes into it earlier or later than you'd initially thought.
When you are ready to write the opening section, I suggest trying a few options out on people. And returning to it again and again to really sharpen it up.
I also find it helpful to study the opening sentences/section of novels that hooked me and analyse a bit. There are many different ways to grab your reader...
Best wishes,
good discussion to start,
Romy

[Harry Arkle]

Thanks for the repiles and the help, Romy and Paula. It is much appreciated.

Oh I do feel like a novice! The advice you've given me makes sense. Back to the storyboards it seems.

Thanks "H"