Essential Guide to Writing a Novel

Episode 156 - How to write the fast start.

6 snips
Mar 14, 2025
Discover the art of crafting a gripping opening that keeps readers hooked. Learn why immediate action and early tension are crucial for engagement. Explore insights from Alice Munro and Richard Ford's writing rules to elevate your storytelling. Delve into a compelling critique of common pitfalls, emphasizing action over excessive explanation. Plus, hear a personal journey of growth in writing inspired by classic literature. Get ready to ignite your creativity!
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ADVICE

Fast Starts

  • Start stories with a fast pace to hook readers.
  • Use action and intrigue in the first few pages.
ANECDOTE

Armada Example

  • Ernest Cline's Armada begins with the protagonist seeing a UFO.
  • This immediately grabs the reader's attention.
ANECDOTE

Sharpe's Triumph Example

  • Bernard Cornwell's Sharpe's Triumph starts with a vivid, unsettling image.
  • Sharpe is covered in flies and blood but remains still.
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