Fiction Writing Made Easy | Top Creative Writing Podcast for Fiction Writers & Writing Tips

#181. First Chapter Analysis: House Of Earth And Blood by Sarah J. Maas

15 snips

Feb 18, 2025

In this discussion, developmental editor Abigail K. Perry brings her fresh perspective as she analyzes the compelling opening chapter of 'House of Earth and Blood' by Sarah J. Maas. They explore how the chapter hooks readers, the balance of world-building and character dynamics, and why the opening needs both action and intrigue. Abigail shares insights on writing for a target audience and the challenges of steep narrative learning curves, making this an engaging listen for anyone interested in crafting captivating fantasy tales.

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INSIGHT

Steep Learning Curve vs. Shallow Learning Curve

Crescent City by Sarah J. Maas is a romantic urban fantasy with a steep learning curve, where readers are immersed in an unfamiliar world.
This contrasts with books like Harry Potter, which have a shallower learning curve, gradually introducing readers to the magical world.

ANECDOTE

Danica's Protective Nature

Danica's immediate defense of Bryce against Sabine showcases her strong, protective nature, making her instantly likeable.
This act of standing up to a bully creates a strong bond between Bryce and Danica, endearing both characters to the reader.

ADVICE

Steep Learning Curves in Adult Fantasy

When writing fantasy, consider your target audience and how much they enjoy a steep learning curve.
Readers of adult fantasy often embrace being thrown into the deep end, trusting they will understand the world eventually.

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Romantasy and Fantasy authors! Tune in to learn how the opening pages of House of Earth and Blood hooks readers and pulls them into the rest of the story.

Join me and Abigail K. Perry for a deep dive into the opening chapter of the first Crescent City book, House of Earth and Blood, to find out how and why it works.

We analyze this first chapter from both a macro and micro perspective to see what kind of promise it makes to the reader, how the author introduces us to the story world, and to figure out why we care so much about these fictional characters.

In the episode, you’ll hear us talk about:

[03:08] A quick summary of the first chapter of House of Earth and Blood, including our thoughts on why the author started the story here
[05:05] A big-picture analysis of the first chapter to see what kind of promise it makes to the reader (this part’s really fun because Abigail has NOT read the books, so tune in and hear what she picked up on!)
[25:50] What it means to write a story with a steep learning curve—and why understanding your target audience makes a big difference when it comes to creating a fictional world for your story
[38:50] A deep-dive into the scene structure within the opening chapter (spoiler alert: the scene continues into chapter two—tune in to hear how we landed here)
[47:26] Why it’s so important to have “on the surface” excitement and action when planting clues and setting things up in your opening chapters

Whether you’re writing fantasy, romantasy, or any kind of story that requires world-building, this episode will change how you look at your opening chapter. Plus, you’ll get a fantastic peek at how Sarah J. Maas wrote another bestselling fantasy series (so you can do the same when writing your own novel).

🔗 Links mentioned in this episode:

Ep. 96 - 5 Worldbuilding Tips for Sci-Fi and Fantasy Writers
Check out the LitMatch Podcast with Abigail Perry here! You can also get in touch with Abigail through her website or on Instagram @abigailkperry.

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