CRIMINAL MISCHIEF 46: The Critical Opening Scene

Your opening scene carries a heavy load. It must hook the reader, introduce the story question—and often the protagonist/antagonist—-reveal the setting/story world, evoke emotion in the reader, and reveal the voice and tone of the story. That’s a lot of work, and pressure on the writer.

Why is the opening scene so important?

1—It must do all or most of the above

2—It’s all most people will ever read—-unless it’s compelling

3—It’s what grabs the attention of agents and editors

4—It’s you first—and perhaps only—chance to make a good impression

 

Things you must do in the first few pages:

 

Hook the reader

Introduce an interesting character or situation

Ask the story question

Set the tone and voice

Introduce the story world

Hint at what’s to come

Make the reader care, or at least curious