Writing an Opening Chapter That Ticks All the Boxes

Oct 12, 2023

Author Hannah Mary McKinnon, pen name Holly Cassidy, discusses writing an opening chapter, tips for balancing dialogue and disposition, setting up stakes for the protagonist, and approach to negative reviews. Hosts critique submissions, discuss including hooks in queries, personifying the antagonist, and polished scene-level pages. They also discuss power dynamics in storytelling, changing genres, and balancing information in the opening chapter. Additionally, they address reader reactions to explicit content and promote upcoming events and websites.

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Episode notes

Introduction

00:00 • 5min

Feedback and Analysis of Opening Chapter

04:47 • 8min

Female Relationships and High Concept Sci-Fi

13:01 • 8min

Power Dynamics in Opening Scenes, Beta Reader Matchup, and Changing Genres

20:36 • 5min

Balancing Information in the Opening Chapter

25:21 • 27min

Reactions to Explicit Content, Indifference, and Promotions

52:00 • 3min