How to WRITE the first chapter of your book

How to WRITE the first chapter of your book

In your first chapter, you will want to set the scene, mood and the tone of your story. Introduce your theme, provide details – paint the picture of this issue at hand .

Most book buyers unconsciously follow certain procedures before buying a book. First, they take a look at the cover page . Then the title, when they are satisfied that the book will be useful to them, they move over to the blurb (About the Book and the Author – to read the publisher’s summarized content. And then the background of the author. If they have the opportunity, they read a few lines in the first chapter or introduction. There and then, a conclusion is drawn: The book is either bought or dropped!

So what sometimes determine the sell -ability of your book depends on the beauty of the first chapter.

It must catchy  and good enough to hold your reader and make them want to go ahead. In this case the FIRST SENTENCE must doo this magic. If not the book is dead… dropped.

The power of the first few sentences leads you to follow the writer’s beckoning, seducing you to enter his imagination. They seem to say, Come on this journey with me.

Some  Opening Lines Or First Sentences.

How would you feel if  you are reading a book that  started like this:

                       Chapter 1

“I was five years old the first time I ever set foot in prison”. —Jimmy Santiago Baca , A Place to Stand (2001)
Won’t you want to know what happens next?
 Consider these too:

1.                   It’s not about you. —Rick Warren, … from  Purpose Driven Life (

2.      It’s a wonderful tine to live.   (Brian Tracy.

3.     In the beginning God created heaven and earth (  Moses, the Bible.

No matter the field, a  book’s opening lines are crucial in determining your interest in what the author has in store for you. Those first few words set the template for your willingness to travel along the story’s path..

Each sequence of sentences  must hook the reader instantaneously by its masterful use of language; and as importantly, delivers an undeniable aura of mystery and apprehension.

Consider these till  I come again…   from..Mike Okhihiemen