Starting Your Manuscript Off The Right Way
Have you ever suffered from writer's block?
You don't have to be suffering from writer's block to wonder if you're starting your manuscript off the right way or not!
In fact, this often depends on whether you're writing fiction or nonfiction.
Are you writer of fiction or nonfiction?
Starting A Fiction Manuscript
Think about the last time you read a good fiction story or book. What was about the very first part of that tale that hooked you?
When you're attempting to write a fiction manuscript, it often helps to "think" like a reader. One of the best ways to write a good story is to think about some of the good stories you've read yourself.
Of course, you never want to just copy someone else's work--ever. That's outright plagiarism. But, is always okay to use something you've read in the past to give you a few ideas--especially when it comes down to the very beginning of your story.
How Important is the very first line of a story?
The first line of any story is probably one of the most important lines in your entire book!
With so many fiction writers out there right now, and so many different genres to choose from, the best way to get a reader to want to choose your story is to hook them in--as quickly as possible.
A good cover image is always a great idea, as is your story synopsis and/or blurb. But after that, you have to keep your reader's interest with an intriguing first line.
This is extra important when you're writing romance in any subgenre and suspense/thriller/action stories. Readers want to be entertained, not bored to death.
Remember, your reader needs to be drawn into your fictional world and the only way to do that is to make them want to read more...and more, and more....as your story progresses. You want them to keep reading and not want to put your work down until they find out what happens at the end of your tale.
But it all starts with that very first line...
For example:
Check out these first line of a horror story below:
-I had heard that the house on the top of Monster Hill was haunted.
-One of the scariest and most heart-pounding experiences I ever had in my entire life happened to me the night I ventured out to the house on top of Monster Hill.
Which one sounds more interesting?
Starting Your Nonfiction Manuscript Off Right
But what if you're writing nonfiction?
Many people don't realize how different nonfiction can be from its counterpart. The fact of the matter is, starting a nonfiction book can be a bit more tricky than starting a fictional story.
First of all, the content of your first line will often depend on the niche your nonfiction book is in. As with fiction writing, you want to make sure that it draws your reader in and holds their interest.
For example, check out these first lines of narrative nonfiction below:
-Drinking water everyday is a healthy habit
-True or false: one of the best ways you can keep your body healthy and in shape is to drink at least eight glasses of water each and every day?
Which one sounds more interesting? Which one do you think would more likely make someone want to keep reading? Asking questions is a really creative way to get nonfiction readers interested in what you have to say. It's honestly basic psychology: the human mind makes us automatically, subconsciously curious about the answers to questions that draw our interest.
The Bottom Line
Regardless of your niche, the very first line of your writing can make the difference between whether your story will catch and keep a reader's interest. This is especially important if you're a new author trying to make your place in the writing world and get your name out there.
***Remember, even the greatest stories can risk not ever having a chance to be read if they don't start out with an attention-grabbing first line!***
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