The Beginning

Greetings from the Hermit WRiter.

Why is the beginning SOOOO important?

• Sets the tone and mood

• Avoid the circular file

• You only have 15 secs to hook the prospective reader

• Identify who the protagonist is

• Sets up the scene

How:

• Inciting incident

• Cut the flab

• Immediate action

• Early introduction of protagonist

Six things the opening should accomplish:

1. Get the reader hooked

2. Establish a bond between reader and lead character

3. Set the scene

4. Get the conflict going

5. Describe the protagonist

6. Surprise the reader

"Start like you’re jumping on a moving train." – Alan Rinzler