How to Start a Chapter

It could be argued your first chapter is your most important one for what I assume are obvious reasons. After all, this is how your reader is going to judge your book and decide if they continue reading or toss it onto the midden heap of the DNF pile. Thus, you might be wondering how to start a chapter.
If you’re a writer who’s looking to traditionally publish and seeking an agent or publisher—those first ten pages (give or take) are absolutely crucial to getting their attention amongst the thousands of submissions they receive every month. It’s tough out there, friends.
I can’t stress enough that your first pages need to stand all on their own. Telling someone “but it gets good later” simply won’t cut it.
You need to cram action, character, plot, emotion, and motivation into those first pages or you’re going to lose your reader (or that agent or publisher). And you don’t get a second chance.
Scared yet? Good, you should be.
I kid. I’m here to help you through this. Fear not, it’s not as hard as it seems.

How to start a chapter: start in the right place
One of the biggest mistakes new writers make is not starting their story in the “right place.” But what does that mean?
Simply put, your story should start as close to the inciting incident as possible.
Don’t delve into pages of backstory or world building. Don’t give us a ton of details about a bunch of random people. Resist the urge to write pages of exposition explaining the lore and history of your world.
Don’t draw out the setup of your story for too long.
Why not? You haven’t made the reader care enough about any of these things yet to go that deep. You can get to the eleven factions of warrior clans and the seventeen levels of your underworld later. I promise.
Your first chapter should make it absolutely clear who your protagonist is. If theirs isn’t the first thought or the first line of your book, consider if that’s the right way to start. Then you need to get them to the moment that kicks off your story quickly. I don’t want to say your inciting incident needs to happen in your first chapter (it doesn’t necessarily) but you need to be moving towards it with purpose.

How to start an opening chapter: things to avoid
Look, there are a lot of things people will tell you not to do when you’re writing a book. And usually, they’re wrong. There are so many ways to write a story that one person’s best advice is exactly the thing another person will answer when they’re famous and someone asks them, “What’s the worst piece of writing advice you ever received?”
Having said that, there are a few things you might want to avoid when starting your novel:
- Talking about the weather, the sky, or the landscape. This has been done to death and rarely makes for a compelling opening. Also, it’s rarely about your protagonist.
- Having your character wake up. It feels natural to start a story at the beginning of the day. I get it. But a character that gets out of bed and goes to look in the mirror before you then describe their appearance is considered a bit cliché.
- Having your character on an airplane. I don’t know why this happens so much, but this too is also considered a bit cliché. Same goes for a car. I don’t know. Transportation is trite, I guess.
- Starting with a dream sequence. Few things are more irritating to readers than some fantastical scene happening only to be told none of it is real… also, dream sequences are boring (okay, this might be my personal opinion, but I’m the one writing this post so I get to say it.)
Does it mean that these types of beginnings can’t work? Absolutely not. In fact, the book Falling by TJ Newman starts with a dream sequence, someone waking up and a plane flight and the author was paid seven figures at auction for it. Rules, as they say, are sometimes made to be broken.
So yes, they can work, but these types of openings have been seen so many times that there will be readers, agents, and publishers who immediately groan and shove your book off their desk. Metaphorically, of course.
If you go in any of these directions, consider how you can put a spin on it so it doesn’t feel like the same old thing.
But ultimately it’s your book, so do what you want. I’m just putting this out there as something to consider. (I started a book with someone waking up—it’s a Sleeping Beauty retelling so there was really no way around it—and I like to think it’s not a complete disaster.)

So how should you start a chapter?
I’m so glad you asked. One resource I’m going to recommend is the book The First 50 Pages by Jeff Gerke. This is one of the best books I’ve read on opening pages and really helped me transform my own book openings.
But, that’s a long(ish) book, and this is a short(ish) article, so here are a few ideas to consider using right now. Keep in mind that a good opening probably combines more than one of the ideas below.
Ideally, when you start a chapter, it balances action, character, emotion, setting, dialogue, and exposition in a seamless dance. Finding this perfect balance is why writing a strong first chapter can be tricky but, with practice, it’s absolutely something you can master.

Focus on Action
You’ve probably heard from somewhere that you should drop your character into the action right from the start. This is good advice—but don’t misconstrue what ‘action’ means. This does not have to mean a sword fight or a battle or a chase sequence. Action can be anything ‘active’ that is happening: a job interview, a conversation, a walk through a barren wasteland. All it means is that your character is doing something.
Focus on Emotion
Stories are ultimately about emotions, and nothing draws your readers in quicker than when you can make them feel something. Opening your book with your character experiencing a strong emotion is a good way to do that. Get in their head and show us what’s affecting them.
Focus on Characters
The most important aspect of your story is your characters. Plot is secondary (I will die on this hill). So show us who they are. Maybe they’re funny and sarcastic. Maybe they’re disillusioned and sarcastic. Or maybe they’re vulnerable and sarcastic. (I might have a favorite type of protagonist…) Open your novel with something that shows just how funny/disillusioned/vulnerable/sarcastic they are. Tell a joke. Use dialogue. Make them perform an action. Notice how this can tie into the two points I mentioned above?
Focus on Conflict
What’s got your character so riled up, anyway? Open with a conflict your character is facing. Not only does this increase the stakes immediately, it also gives you the opportunity to work in some emotion, action, and character. See how this works? And a reminder that a conflict can be small—their cat just ran up a tree. Or it can be big—they’re about to face down an army of demons.
Focus on Mystery
Much like the conflict idea above, you can also drop your character into a mystery. Perhaps they’ve woken up somewhere they don’t recognize (oops, but here’s a possible twist on the ‘don’t make them wake up’ suggestion), maybe they’ve just come across a dead body, or maybe they’ve just received a strange letter in the mail. Notice how all these things still include action? Then all you need to do is supplement this with emotion and character and voila.
Focus on Stakes
Ideally, your first chapter has a bit of an upward climb. You open on your actiony, emotional scene and then throw something else in to raise the stakes. While this is something that should happen throughout your novel, ensuring you’re doing this specifically in your first chapter hooks your reader in.
Focus on Motivation
And finally, we need to understand your character and what they want. This ties back to the emotion and your character itself. What is this story going to be about? You don’t need to reveal your entire plot in the first chapter (obviously, that would be ridiculous), but a strong first chapter hints to the reader what’s coming. What your protagonist wants. What their goals are and, ideally, what’s standing in their way. Don't skip this part—this might actually be the most important one on the list, and I promise it's one agents and publishers are going to look for.

Don’t Forget the Ending of Your Chapter
We’ve talked about how to start a first chapter, but what about how to end one? You can read my post on how long your chapter should be here first. Go ahead, I’ll wait…
Done? Okay, you don’t have to lie to me about it. Read it after you’re done with this, though.
In that article, I talk about leaving your reader wanting more at the end of every chapter. And there is nowhere that statement is more true than at the end of your first chapter. This is the point of no return. Either your reader is going to keep going or put your book back on the shelf. So end on a high note. Or a low note. Depending on what your story needs.
I also said your inciting incident doesn’t need to happen in the first chapter, but it is a really good place for it to go. What could possibly hook your reader in more than that moment the call to adventure comes? That moment your protagonist understands they’re about to take a step they can never return from? That scene where your main character is dropped into chaos and must figure a way out?

Leave them begging for more
Leave your reader hanging. You want them not only to keep reading your book—you want them to choose your words over their desire to do anything responsible for at least a few hours.
If you actually clicked over to my other post, you’ll have seen this list on more specific ways to end your chapter. But in case you didn’t, here it is anyway (because I’m nice like that):
- End on a cliffhanger
- Leave a question unanswered
- Give your character two choices they must make
- Erect an obstacle for your character
- Force your character to make a decision
- Someone leaves either for now or for good
- A significant internal thought for your character
- A moment of reckoning for your protagonist
- Something big happens, like an explosion or a kiss
- Reveal a secret or a surprise
- Leave your character with a disappointment
- Someone dies

A quick word on opening lines
A killer opening line is a surefire way to hook your reader. Make it dynamic and clever. Make it surprising and astonishing. (As someone who’s read through a slush pile before: please don’t make your first line about the color of the sky. I beg you. Remember, your first line should be focused on your protagonist, not the setting.)
Go to your bookshelf and take a look at the first lines from some of your favorite books. What do you see? Do they hook you in? What makes them stand out?
One of my favorite first lines ever is from the Shadows Between Us by Tricia Levenseller: “They've never found the body of the first and only boy who broke my heart. And they never will.
”How’s that for evoking about a thousand emotions, thoughts, and questions? That one line literally sets the tone for the entire book.
A final note on how to start a chapter
If you’ve made it this far, you know it takes a lot of work to nail the first chapter of your book. You need to reveal your plot, conflicts, characters, motivations, and just about everything else to make the perfect opening.
It might be the first chapter you write, but it is the one you'll come back to and revise over and over until you can recite it in your sleep. To do that, you need a tool that helps keep track of your characters, their goals, and your overall plot. With Dabble’s elegant yet comprehensive suite of features–including the Plot Grid and Character Notes that are just a click away from your first chapter–it’s the software all writers deserve to have by their side.
Plus, with the ability to make comments, notes, and access that tricky first chapter from anywhere, on any device, you’re always ready when creativity strikes. If you haven’t joined the thousands of Dabblers who are writing their best story, click here to try all the Premium features of Dabble for free, no credit card required, for 14 days.
I can’t wait to be hooked by your first chapter!
TAKE A BREAK FROM WRITING...
Read. Learn. Create.
Characters are the most important part of any story. They are the beating heart and the blood that flows through your novel’s veins. Yes, your plot and world and story structure are also important, but most people will fall in love with a book because they love the characters.
If you’re planning to become an indie author, one of the first things you might be wondering is: how do you price a self-published book?
Can't get a clear answer on how many scenes should be in a chapter? Here's how to calculate the answer for your book.
There's no easy way to determine how many chapters you should have in your book, but let's figure out how many will work for you.
You’ve cobbled together 100K words of sheer brilliance, but now you must tackle the hardest task. How do you write book titles, anyway?
Looking for great writing exercises for fiction writers? We've got you covered with prompts to inspire story, character, and more.
How much do authors make? It's a question every writer asks at least once. We break it down for you in this blog!
Theses six steps can help show you how to become a fiction writer. Figure out what works best for you!
Want to learn the secret of how to overcome writer's block? You've got to get to the root of the problem. We can help.
Fight scenes are what some readers live for, but writing them can be tough. Let's dissect how to write a fight scene in your novel.
Romance tropes are the heartbeat of what makes romance novels feel like cozy sweaters you want to snuggle into.
Not sure how to describe clothing writing? It's easier (and more fun) than you might think. Here's everything you need to know.
Character motivation is essential in creating characters your readers will care about. Learn about the types of motivation with Dabble!
How to start a first chapter: include action, character, plot, emotion, and motivation or you’re going to lose your reader.
Want to learn how to write exposition that's not so explainy? Divulge compelling backstory using these tried-and-true tips.
English is whack. Let's make something better. Here's how to create a fictional language in four simple steps.
How long should your chapters be? On average, chapters tend to range from 1,000-5,000 words, with most falling in the 2,000-4,000 range.
Need original character questions to inspire your work in progress? Dig deep with these one-of-a-kind character interview questions.
It isn't easy to write a good villain, at least not without the right ingredients. Let Dabble give you the perfect recipe for a villain!
There are a lot of pieces of writing advice you can ignore, but here’s one you shouldn’t: you need to include character goals in your story.
Why does character motivation matter? Find out why a thrilling plot is not enough and how to design motivation that resonates with readers.
Outlining your future bestseller isn't easy! But we break it down for you so you can plan a novel that rocks.
You might be wondering: how long does it take to write a book? The answer depends on a variety of factors.
Here are sixty-five character development questions, plus tips on how and when to interview your characters. Get inspired and get unstuck!
Conflict is what makes books worth reading. Join us as we explore the four types of conflict you can use to make you story memorable!
Do you have a writer in your life who needs a gift? Check out this list of 61 gifts for writers that will help them with their author dreams.
Need character ideas for your next story? Find a ton of original ideas and brainstorming questions right here!
The words you use to start a story are some of the most important you'll write. We'll help make sure you get them right!
A character flaw is a fault, limitation, or weakness that can be internal or external factors that affect your character and their life.
The Seducer/Seductress archetype can help you craft unforgettable villains and surprisingly sympathetic anti-heroes. Learn how.
The Orphan archetype makes for both inspiring heroes and unsettlingly sympathetic villains. Learn how to use this archetype in your story.
Explore the fundamentals of the Outlaw Archetype and how they serve your story. Explore famous examples of Outlaws in popular media.
The Common Person or Everyman is a powerful archetype that can instantly relate to your readers. Learn how to use it in your writing!
The caregiver archetype is more than a saint. Learn how to craft a fascinating, flawed, and deep-souled caregiver for your story.
The Ruler archetype is one of the most recognizable and is about stability and maintaining order through control and power.
The Creator Archetype breathes life into their art, often to an obsessive level. Learn all about using this archetype in your writing!
Get to know the Innocent archetype, from Buddy the Elf to Andy Dwyer. Learn how to write this lovable (and sometimes chaotic) character.
The Sage archetype is an important one in all storytelling—one that can either help or hinder the protagonist's journey in your book.
Explorer Archetypes long for adventure and seek out new places, ideas, and experiences to live a thrilling, exciting, and fulfilling life.
What is the Jester archetype? Find out what you need to know to give your funniest character true purpose and depth.
Lover archetypes embrace the love they hold for friends, family, their gods, or simply the world around them.
The Magician archetype is one of the most popular archetypes in writing. In this blog, we explain everything you need to know about Magicians!
What is the hero archetype? From epic heroes to anti-heroes, here's everything you need to know about crafting a compelling hero.
The seven basic plot points offer perhaps what is the most open-ended of the structure archetypes with broad, high-level descriptions.
Chekhov's Gun is a fundamental principle in writing. Join us as we examine what this principle is so you can apply it to your own writing.
What is three-act structure? Learn why this story structure is so effective and whether it can help you plot your novel.
Save the Cat is one of the most popular ways of drafting screenplays and novels in modern storytelling.
The Hero's Journey is a classic story structure. Learn why it's so popular among writers and how to apply it to your own storytelling.
We call it John Gardner's aquatic monstrosity, the Fichtean Curve is a narrative structure that can help you easily plan out your novel.
We break down Randy Ingermanson's Snowflake Method, a type of outlining that can make writing your book much easier and faster.
A New York City story coach shares her best tips on how to create compelling characters. She walks through each step in the process.
Learn about Dan Harmon's Story Circle—what it is, how it can help you plot your novel, and whether it's right for you.
One of the original story structures, Freytag's Pyramid is the foundation for dramatic stories and tragedies. Learn all about it with Dabble!
Learn how to write a children's book with this ultimate guide and template for designing a story that resonates with young readers.
In this article, we’ll explore what active and passive writing is and when you should use them. Contrary to some beliefs, sometimes passive voice does make sense. Not everything you write should or needs to be active (though it should be most of the time).
Editing your book can be a daunting task. In this article, we breakdown the different types of editing and when you should apply them.
Learn how to write a book synopsis that gets the attention of agents and publishers. It's easier than you think.
3rd-person limited or 1st-person epistolary? Here is what you need to know about narrative point of view and your story.
Story structures are the frameworks that tie your story together. A story structure can help guide your book to be the best it can be!
Bestselling author Kristina Stanley breaks down the three questions you need to ask to self-edit your book's characters, plot, and setting.
Which of the four character arc types is right for your story? And what is a character arc?
To write a romance you need to manage three separate arcs: your main character, your love interest, and the romance itself.
Character archetypes can help you write complex, three-dimensional characters. Learn more about them, including 14 common types, with Dabble.
Learn how to write a book in this ultimate guide. Plus find editing tips, map out a publishing journey, & download a free outlining template.
Unsure of how to start writing? This easy guide and checklist will help you turn your writing dreams into a reality.
Writing with proper punctuation can feel like the hardest part of writing. Don't worry, we've made a Beginner's Guide to Punctuation to help!
Plot is pretty much everything that happens in your story. So let's look at some methods that can help map out your story.
Snag this free, downloadable character development worksheet, designed to help you craft compelling characters and write an unputdownable story.
Finishing your first draft is quite possibly the biggest challenge you'll face as a fiction writer. To be successful, where should you start?
The publishing landscape is always changing, so many writers wonder: should I pay a publisher? Let's take a look at all your publishing options.
Time to learn one of the most powerful tools in your arsenal. Welcome to the Plot Grid.
Author's tone is an abstract, slippery concept. But once you've mastered this skill in your writing, you'll have a powerful tool for captivating readers.
It's time to start writing. Get started by setting goals, and removing some sneaky myths from your mind.
If you’re embarking on a topic that requires a lot of research, you might wonder where you even begin. How do you make use of all those juicy tidbits, and what kind of process should you use to ensure complete and total accuracy?
Writing well requires preparation. Set up your space, gather your tools, and adjust your mindset to crush your writing goals.
You have the knowledge and you have the tools. Time to become the writer you want to be. You got this!
Today we’re going to look at story beats to help craft your romance novel. Beats are specific points of significance that occur in stories that a) help keep the tension up and b) help drive the story forward. They can also be extremely useful in helping you map out your story before you dive into your first draft.
Not sure how to become a successful author—or if it's even possible? Learn exactly what it takes to make it as a writer.
Your writing method will determine a lot about your process. Are you a Plotter or a Pantser?
Have you every wondered whether you can make a living as a writer? It is far from easy, but we break down the way you can achieve your dreams as a career author.
Antagonists are some of the most important types of characters in stories, but also some of the most difficult to write. Let's breakdown what makes a good antagonist.
Prose describes how you write your book, and it can be challenging to get right. So, in this article, we cover what makes good prose.
Characters are the heart of a story. Let's talk about arcs, conflict, and growth.
Theme is subtle, tricky, and will likely be the most effective way to get your audience emotionally engaged. So how do you do it?
First person narrative is when you write using the words “I”, “us”, or “we”. It’s when your story is told through the eyes of one person and we spend time in their head, hearing their thoughts and seeing what they see.
Creating character arcs isn't for the faint of heart. You've got to be ruthless. You've got to be strategic. And it also helps to read this step-by-step guide.
We've got you covered with the best character template ever to help bring your story's characters to life!
Characters come with traits, flaws, problems and much more. Time to dig into those and start giving some depth to them.