10 Ways to Start a Novel

21 April 2010 | Filed Under 10 Ways 

I’m always hearing complaints about how people don’t know how to start their novel. So in an effort to inspire you, here are some suggestions:

1. A Flashback Scene.
We get to see the main character when they’re younger, and it introduces us to the theme very early on (pun intended).

2. The End.
Maybe a glimpse of the climax, which the reader won’t fully understand until reading the rest of the book, when it finally clicks into place.

3. A Prologue.
A favorite of Fantasy and Science Fiction writers, prologues let you explain the world you’re throwing the reader into. Warning: most people don’t read them.

4. A Dream Sequence.
I would not recommend it, but it’s a very popular beginning. Why, I cannot fathom, so don’t bother asking me.

5. Your Main Character Waking Up.
See #4. At least this one you can make your own by turning the cliche on its head.

6. The Death of a Character.
The Go-To of murder mysteries. Death always changes things up. Especially if it’s a king. Without an heir.

7. Falling Down the Rabbit Hole.
After a page of normalcy – woop! Magical world to explore and all sorts of fun plots to unfold.

8. The New Mysterious Character.
Introduce a new person into the static mix of your world. See what they shake up.

9. The Beginning of Time.
Think David Copperfield. Les Miserables. The Bible.

10. In Media Res.
Possibly the most popular way to begin a novel, because it sucks you right into the action. Remember, exposition is for wusses.

Comments

4 Responses to “10 Ways to Start a Novel”

  1. Dan on April 21st, 2010 1:13 pm

    Anytime I started writing it was usually “in media res” (a term I’d never heard before…but then again, literary criticism and devices are very much NOT my strong suit). Mostly because that’s what I always had the most fun writing.

  2. Sara S on April 21st, 2010 10:37 pm

    AHHH People don’t read prologues??? That’s insane! I read everything up until the book starts – the acknowledgements, and dedications too, haha.

  3. Jenn on April 21st, 2010 10:41 pm

    @ Dan: I usually prefer that one, as long as it’s not a total fight scene. I remember later Animorph books used to start that way and I’d get so confused.

    @ Sarah: I read prologues, but most don’t. It’s lame, I know, but it’s not like we can make them read ‘em. That’s hard-core, reading acknowledgements and dedications. Good for you!

  4. 10 Ways Not to Start Your Novel | A Single Bell on April 6th, 2011 12:06 am

    [...] ways to start a novel. You may see some similarities between this list and my previous list of 10 Ways to Start a Novel – the latter went with what was commonly used rather than tried and [...]

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    Hi, I'm Jenn, new grad student and old YA fantasy writer. I've long dreamed of being a novelist, and I bet you have too. I hope you find my blog helpful, inspiring, and maybe just a little bit fun. (But not too much fun. Writing is serious business, you know.)

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