Lessons From the Writing of Elantris
How well does Brandon Sanderson's debut novel hold up?
Latest in Beginnings
Lessons From the Cursed Writing of Vicious
Don't let a novel opening go to waste.
Can Framing Devices Be Better Than Terrible?
Disconnected scenes are rarely worth keeping.
Episode 382: Opening Scenes
Convincing readers to buy the book.
Five Tips for Avoiding Disorientation in Your Opening Hook
While readers are sorting out what you're saying, they can't appreciate your story.
Q&A: How Should My Hero Recruit a Crew?
Submitted by Frank,
answered
Q&A: How Do I Start My Plot?
Submitted by Murphie,
answered
Lessons From the Vague Writing of The Remnant Chronicles
Marketing buzzwords vs the story: the battle begins.
What’s the Best Way to Create an Opening Hook?
Spoiler: it doesn't include a prologue.
Star Trek’s First Episodes Ranked, Part 2
Are the best four Star Trek premieres actually good?
Star Trek’s First Episodes Ranked, Part 1
There’s good Trek, there’s bad Trek, and there’s okay Trek.
How to Teach World Terms Without Confusing Readers
Confusing new terms can make readers feel jarred and overwhelmed.
Episode 294: Developing Story Ideas
You have an idea.
Five Reasons Stories Have Slow Openings, and How to Fix Them
A lot of things can go wrong with a story’s beginning, and one of the most common problems is that it’s just boring.
Introducing Otherworldly Elements Without Confusing Readers
Get important information across in a way that keeps readers engaged.
Planning Your Story’s Opening Passages
Readers have a lot to learn during an opening, and somehow they have to learn it while being entertained.
Five Essentials for an Opening Scene
The opening scene is one of the most crucial in your novel.
Lessons From the Fantastic Writing of The Martian
How this story of a stranded astronaut succeeds at getting readers engaged.
Lessons From the Cinematic Writing of I Am Number Four
Too much telling and a lack of emotion hinder what could have been a tense opening.
Lessons From the Awkward Writing of The Sword of Truth
A lack of focus and a tell-over-show mindset hamstring this fantasy story's opening.
Xyder