First Chapter Deep Dive: Outlander by Diana Gabaldon (with Savannah Gilbo)

2025-02-14

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Do you love historical romance? Do you want to learn what makes a first chapter capture a reader's (and literary agent's!) attention? Then you need today's episode. In today's episode, book coach and developmental editor Savannah Gilbo returns for a deep dive into the uber-popular, time-traveling romance, OUTLANDER by Diana Gabaldon. This conversation is jam-packed with insightful tips on how to pull readers into your story with world-building, set ups, and memorable, interesting characters without slowing the pace. Some other topics...

Do you love historical romance? Do you want to learn what makes a first chapter capture a reader's (and literary agent's!) attention?

Then you need today's episode.

In today's episode, book coach and developmental editor Savannah Gilbo returns for a deep dive into the uber-popular, time-traveling romance, OUTLANDER by Diana Gabaldon. This conversation is jam-packed with insightful tips on how to pull readers into your story with world-building, set ups, and memorable, interesting characters without slowing the pace.

Some other topics Savannah and I explore include:

How to write an intriguing opening (and scenes) with what can sometimes feel like less intense stakes
How many scenes are in this first chapter, and why each models a well-structured scene
How to plant set ups and share meaningful backstory without dragging down the pace
Plus, more!

By the time you finish this episode, you'll know how to identify and answer some important questions that first chapters need in order to set up reader expectations. You'll also take away a handful of tools that you can use to tighten and polish well-structured scenes. So pick up a notebook and get ready to learn!

P.S. Happy Valentine's Day!

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Books mentioned in this episode: