Writing in your Heart discussion

Now where would we be - as readers and authors - if we didn't have a gripping prologue? A gripping prologue should make the reader want to carry on reading, but not give away so much information that they feel like there is no point.

Alternatively if you are writing without a prologue and just have the first chapter - think of an interesting way to start it. Perhaps with the use of some dialogue, or maybe the use of the characters thoughts. There are many ways out there in which we can catch the readers attention, it's just a case of finding the right one for our story and characters.

If they don't feel lured into reading more then what have you done wrong - what could you improve? If any of you wish to share then go onto the 'share a story' topic and post a chapter there. Any advice or improvements will be situated in the Critiques Corner folder. Which also includes advice for other people's stories and what we think certain published books could do to improve.

I havent published anything, but I have read quite a lot and been to many creative writing curses.
In my experience the first chapter \few chapters of a book are tricky. Some books have first chapters that are mildly interesting, so you half force yourself to continue reading luckily it gets better after chapter 3\4.
Other books start full on, too full on really. Its fun to start a book with a dramatic situation, but if somebody dies\are kidnapped in the first few pages and the readers are supposed to feel sad,it is unlikely they will. Yes the reader might be intrigued,but very sad for a person they just met?No. Build up is very important in books, without it the story looses quality.
My advise would be to start a story balanced. Start it with some dialouge,and some forshadowing. The beginning of books are meant to get people interested, so introduce main characters and setting soon, yet dont overdue it.

Oda wrote: "I havent published anything, but I have read quite a lot and been to many creative writing curses.
In my experience the first chapter \few chapters of a book are tricky. Some books have first chapt..."

Wonderful advice!

Oda wrote: "I havent published anything, but I have read quite a lot and been to many creative writing curses.
In my experience the first chapter \few chapters of a book are tricky. Some books have first chapt..."

Brilliant advice Oda and quite true too! ;)