The opening page of your book is the most decisive-one. It is where the readers decide to continue or move away. A good opening is almost the kind of skill every author must learn. It doesn’t matter whether you’re writing science fiction or fantasy-it’s how you draw readers into your world. Following are the top tips for keeping readers engaged from page one:
Action or Intrigue
It is crucial to hook the readers from page one with an action or an interesting scene. This means beginning in the middle of something exciting or mysterious – something that is happening and readers need to find out what is happening next. Example Judi Lloyd’s NORA’S ROGUES: An Interstellar Alliance Book 2 opens up with an action-packed sequence that thrusts readers into an unpredictable intergalactic conflict, placing them into an instant engagement that translates to pages turning.
Create an Instant Connection to the Characters
Introduce the personality of the character or give hints at the conflicts right from the beginning. A people-relatable dynamic protagonist draws the reader in and keeps them invested towards the end of the book.
Introduce the World and Mood First
Give your readers a feel of your world and mood within the first few pages of your book. You might have a futuristic galaxy or a small town, but the vividness will help put readers into the universe right from the start of the story.
Using all these techniques, your first page would not only be a grabber for the reader but also a setup for your readers. If you are still wondering how to go about it, then read NORA’S ROGUES: An Interstellar Alliance Book 2 by Judi Lloyd. Good luck!