Crafting a Narrative Without Pre-History: A Better Approach
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In the world of literature, capturing a reader's attention from the very first page is crucial. Julianne Johnson, a blogger who shares her writing and love for photography, understands this well. Johnson, who has penned several books and shares her home with three cats, four ferrets, one goldfish, and one fiancé, has some insights to share on effective strategies for starting a novel.
One common pitfall is info dumping, a practice where authors deluge readers with backstory and world-building at the beginning of a book. This approach can be off-putting, as seen in some post-apocalyptic tales that begin with lengthy newspaper articles recounting the backstory and current state of the world. In contrast, the opening of Douglas Adams' The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy engages the reader without an info dump, drawing them into the story seamlessly.
To avoid info dumps, Johnson suggests several key approaches. Creating a powerful first line that raises questions, sets the tone, and hints at character or world details without explaining everything outright is a great way to hook readers. Starting close to the story’s core conflict or climax (in media res) instead of beginning with background information also helps plunge readers directly into dramatic, suspenseful moments that generate intrigue and momentum.
Character-focused openings that reveal personality or stakes through behaviour or dialogue can create an emotional connection early on without lengthy exposition. Integrating setting naturally through action or relevant details rather than large info dumps ensures readers get a sense of place while remaining immersed in the story. Lastly, avoiding large info dumps upfront by distributing necessary world-building and backstory gradually through scenes, dialogue, and character decisions as the plot progresses keeps readers engaged and curious.
Not all openings, however, are equally effective. The book Ace Lone Wolf and the Lost Temple of Totec by Eric T. Knight, for instance, starts with a train robbery. While this style might be common in Western novels, it can be considered dull and uninteresting, potentially causing readers to lose interest in the book.
However, Ace Lone Wolf and the Lost Temple of Totec has its merits. The main character is likable, and by the end of the first chapter, readers know a lot about the world and the main character. This could be due to the book being recommended based on the first chapter alone. The Kindle Scout program, which allows users to nominate books for publication and receive a free book in return, vets books like Ace Lone Wolf and the Lost Temple of Totec before publication.
It's important to note that the post-apocalyptic tale used as an example in this article does not accurately represent the genre, but it serves as a useful example of what not to do when starting a novel. The "look inside" feature on Amazon can discourage potential buyers from purchasing a book with a weak opening, making it all the more crucial for authors to start their novels in a way that captivates readers from the very first page.
In the realm of lifestyle blogging, Johnson's fashion-and-beauty section, where she shares tips and trends, provides valuable insights for readers. In the world of literature, a reader's fascination for books is paralleled by Johnson's love for photography and her preference for strategic storytelling, evident in the way she avoids info dumps in her novels.
